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 and John arrive at “Papa” Monzano’s castle. The castle was built by Tum-bumwa, an escaped slave who was once Emperor of San Lorenzo. John sees a hook which is reserved especially for Bokonon, and resolves that, as ruler, he will chop it down.
John has lofty ideas about liberating Bokonon, which he will quickly let go of.