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
Frank frantically tries to help “Papa” by loosening his collar and blouse. John notices that Mona still looks serene. In fact, she appears to be rubbing her feet with one of the airline pilots—whose face appears to be in “orgiastic rigidity.” “Papa” tells Frank he will be the next president, because he has science and “science is the strongest thing there is.” He also says the word “ice” before passing out.
Mona is engaging in boko-maru, a Bokononist ritual that John will try himself later on. “Papa” consistently states his devotion to the marvels of science, which is at odds with the sorry state of the island. He mentions “ice” here, as he does on his deathbed; no-one yet knows that he’s referring to ice-nine.
Themes
