Kurt Vonnegut uses the phrase "so it goes" in his renowned novel Slaughterhouse-Five primarily as a stark and deeply ironic response to death, rather than an acceptance of life's events.
The Purpose Behind "So It Goes"
In Slaughterhouse-Five, "so it goes" is a recurring motif that follows almost every instance of death, serving as a powerful literary device to underscore the overwhelming and often senseless nature of mortality, particularly in the context of war. It's not a shrug of resignation, but a direct confrontation with the finality and frequency of death.
Key aspects of its purpose include:
- Facing Death, Not Accepting Life: The phrase emerges specifically when death is evoked, highlighting a confrontation with human demise rather than a simple philosophical acceptance of life's general flow or tragedies. It emphasizes the inescapable presence of death.
- Deep Irony: The simplicity of "so it goes" creates a profound sense of irony. It's a detached, almost casual observation in the face of immense suffering and loss, which amplifies the horror and absurdity of the events, especially those experienced during the bombing of Dresden. This dispassionate delivery underscores the dehumanizing effect of war and trauma.
- Constant Reminder: Its repetition throughout the novel acts as a constant, jarring reminder of the fragility of life and the pervasive impact of death, drawing the reader's attention to every loss, big or small.
Context and Impact in Slaughterhouse-Five
The phrase is inextricably linked to the novel's themes of war, free will, and the psychological impact of trauma. Billy Pilgrim, the protagonist, experiences events out of chronological order due to his alleged abduction by the Tralfamadorians, an alien race who perceive time differently and believe all moments, including death, exist simultaneously.
The aliens' perspective, which influences Billy, suggests that every moment simply "is," and there is no true beginning or end, only "structured" moments. While this alien philosophy might seem to align with "so it goes" as a simple observation, Vonnegut's application grounds it firmly in human suffering.
| Interpretation of "So It Goes" | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Common Misconception | Passive acceptance; life goes on. |
| Vonnegut's Intent | An ironic, direct confrontation with the pervasive and often senseless nature of death. |
This literary device contributes significantly to the novel's anti-war message by repeatedly forcing the reader to acknowledge the vast scale of death without offering comfort or justification. It forces a reflection on human mortality and the senselessness of mass casualties.
Slaughterhouse-Five, or The Children's Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death, remains a powerful exploration of the human condition and the profound effects of war. The recurring phrase "so it goes" is central to its enduring impact, serving as a stark commentary on the finality and prevalence of death.
