Social Awkwardness

Billy’s lack of self-control result on him having to pay a visit to the mental hospital, yet he was not a visitor but as an intern. Not a very good welcoming well he was tied down to the bed. After receiving a little present called morphine, Billy falls under the influence of this drug. Led into a world of kissing giraffes and savory pears.

Vonnegut ironically uses the morphine to make Billy, a character we already know is crazy, crazier. Billy feels welcomed by the giraffes and does not feel excluded by them. Ironically his feeling toward society, and society’s feelings towards him are opposite to those of the giraffes. He feels neglected in society, an outcast of it.

Seems to me Trafalmadorians and giraffes have parallel feelings for Billy.

In Billy’s dream the Trafalmadorians are being represented as the giraffes. It is almost as if the morphine was the passage into the Trafalmadorian world, the key into entering those ideals hidden in Billy’s mind. Only one pair of giraffes felt extremely affectionate towards Billy. With out his morphine high, in reality, he had never felt affection. He was the outcast.

Which leads me to my second connection. As we know Billy was not the most loved child. I believe the pair of giraffes are representing Mom and Dad. Billy is seeking childhood memories and remorse on his morphine trip. The sorrows of the past are being explained in his subconscious, like Nietzsche said. The giraffes are showing interest, he is feeling all the love he has never felt in reality.

Billy finds a home, a support on Trafalmadorians

and well yeah giraffes, soial awkward (like our friend lina).