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 lets the Hoenikker siblings into “Papa” Monzano’s room, knowing that he is in the presence of ice-nine. He confronts them about the ice-nine, sure that Frank must have given it to “Papa”, and that Angela and Newt must have some too. Newt throws up.
John realizes what’s been going on—the Hoenikker children have all kept ice-nine in their possession. Newt’s visceral reaction is in proportion to the gravity of the situation.