Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Cat’s Cradle, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Science and Morality
Religion
Governance, Politics, and Nationhood
Absurdity and Meaninglessness
Summary
Analysis
John and the others are ushered out of the airport and on to a reviewing stand. Around 5,000 “oatmeal-coloured,” “thin” locals have gathered. The women are bare-breasted and the men wear “loose loincloths.” A military band is poised to play, but is currently silent. John notices the flag of San Lorenzo and the American flag hoisted up high. Hazel says how relieved she is that it’s a “Christian country.”
The islanders are portrayed as adhering to a fairly typical western idea of “primitive.” Hazel doesn’t fear the locals because she’s heard that it’s a Christian country. The pomp of the ceremony is ready to go, just waiting for “Papa’s” arrival.
Themes
