Cat’s Cradle

Cat’s Cradle

by

Kurt Vonnegut

Cat’s Cradle: Chapter 10 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
The night before his visit with Dr. Breed to Dr. Hoenikker’s old research laboratory, John gets drunk in a bar. The bartender and the woman sitting next to him both went to high school with Frank Hoenikker. The woman details how they used to call Frank “Secret Agent X-9,” because he never spoke to anyone.
Though Frank’s old nickname was just a joke reflecting his perceived isolation, it pre-empts his later role in the book as the facilitator of dangerous technology. “X-9” also verbally echoes “ice-nine,” hinting the link between that substance and Frank.
Themes
Science and Morality Theme Icon
Absurdity and Meaninglessness Theme Icon