In 1985, Vonnegut wrote Galapagos, a novel known for its addictive prose and imaginative perspective. Similar to his earlier works, it showcases exaggerated characters, inventive scenarios, and insightful reflections on humanity’s nature. Although it often presents an unflattering depiction of humans, there is still a strong presence of humor and affection towards the characters. The story takes place in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 1986 A.D., specifically on the Pacific island of Santa Rosalia.
The Bahia de Darwin, originally meant for “the Nature Cruise of the Century” (Vonnegut, pg. 27), becomes the vessel through which a group of eccentric individuals escape war-torn Ecuador. Amid a chain of fortuitous circumstances, these characters find themselves bound for Santa Rosalia, where they are destined to establish a colony and ensure the survival of the human race. This responsibility befalls them as the mainland succumbs to a devastating infertility plague, leaving the fertile inhabitants of the Galapagos as humanity’s final hope for procreation on Earth.
This story follows the journey of a group of humans on an island who ultimately become the last ancestors of a new species resembling seals. The narrator, Leon Trotsky Trout, is a ghost who has been observing the people of Galapagos for a million years. Before his death, Leon was a Vietnam War veteran who was deeply affected by the atrocities in Vietnam, which adds to his significance in the novel. Leon’s deceased father, Kilgore Trout, appears four times in the story and repeatedly encourages his son to enter the “blue tunnel” that leads to the afterlife. Despite his father’s persistence, Leon refuses each time, and Kilgore promises that they will not return for another million years.
Leon is thus condemned to witness the gradual process of evolution that changes humans into aquatic mammals. In a distant future, Trout announces that the principles of natural selection have reshaped humanity into creatures possessing flippers, fur, and significantly smaller brains. Even after observing the advancement of the human species for a million years, Trout frequently reminisces about their previous form.
The author emphasizes that the sole antagonist in his narrative is the oversized human brain, which is responsible for all the miseries experienced by humanity. In Vonnegut’s own words: “I remind myself that just about every adult human being back then had a brain weighing about three kilograms! There was no end to the evil schemes that a thought machine that oversized couldn’t imagine and execute” (Vonnegut, pg. 9). Vonnegut marvels at the capacity for wickedness and devastation inherent in human beings. The author discusses how individuals possess the capability to exhibit both virtue and vice, with our own conscious choices serving as the driving force behind our actions.
Vonnegut attributes the occurrence of tragedies in our society to “our big brains”. What sets Vonnegut’s writing apart is the inclusion of numerous quotes from renowned authors in his novel. These quotes are relevant to the story and are seamlessly incorporated through the fictional voice of Mandarax, who can draw from literary and historical works. One notable author mentioned is Anne Frank, and the novel begins with an epigraph from her book, The Diary of Anne Frank. Anne’s quote, “In spite of everything, I still believe people are really good at heart,” holds special significance for Vonnegut as it foreshadows a narrative of human downfall resulting from the malevolence caused by humans.
The epigraph in the novel contextualizes the interactions and sets a somber tone, showcasing Vonnegut’s attempt to convey its significance. It references Anne Frank’s struggle with the Nazis during the Holocaust, highlighting the manipulation by a powerful leader. Hitler’s authoritarian rule indoctrinated a destructive faction of followers whose ultimate goal was to annihilate the Jewish population.
Excessive power concentrated in a few individuals can result in chaos within a community. Anne Frank’s tragic death serves as a testament to the harm caused by the abuse of power, highlighting the brutality that humanity is capable of when driven by their own will. Nevertheless, despite these dark circumstances, Anne maintains her belief in the inherent goodness of humans. She believes that our intellect empowers us to act rationally if we choose to do so. Similarly, in this novel, Trout also witnesses the destructive consequences of human ignorance.
In the story, the narrator reflects on the troubles caused by “big brains” in the year 1986 A.D. This idea of human beings being hindered by their overly intellectual minds is central to Vonnegut’s writing and philosophy. Vonnegut states that despite being no different from any other animal, humans are controlled by their big brains and their foolish desire to put their ideas into practice. According to Vonnegut, the planet itself is innocent, if not for those great big brains.
According to Vonnegut (pg. 266), the outcome is a species that engages in barbaric acts such as making slaves fight in the Colosseum, burning people alive in public for having unpopular opinions, establishing factories solely for mass murder, destroying entire cities, and so forth. Despite Trout’s pessimistic perspective on humanity’s destiny, each character is depicted with affection and cleverness, despite their social awkwardness and intellectual disabilities. It appears that Vonnegut may have identified with Anne Frank’s sentiments.
Based on the analysis of characters in the novel, it is concluded that “even during the darkest times, there was still hope for humankind,” as stated by the mother. Despite the presence of cruel and brutal individuals among humanity, empathy still exists. When people act in their own self-interest, they do so rationally based on their understanding of the situation. However, due to our inability to predict the future, harm can inadvertently be caused to others while pursuing personal goals.
Despite our emotional nature, our susceptibility to external influence can cause us to make unjust decisions that we wouldn’t typically make. Nonetheless, we have a desire for a fairer society despite the negative consequences and moral implications of our actions. The author adeptly evokes emotions in readers, showcasing how these emotions can inspire hope for a brighter future even during challenging periods.
Illustratively, the scene featuring James Wait’s impending death and Mary Hepburn’s comforting words exemplifies the power of compassion in helping others endure difficult situations. Despite being aware of James’ inevitable passing, Mary’s affection for him empowers her to put on a brave front, instilling him with the necessary courage to face a formidable and distressing period. Vonnegut endeavors to promote kindness and respect among individuals, elevating empathy as an admirable quality.
Galapagos, along with Vonnegut’s other renowned novels, skillfully combines philosophy, sorrow, and irony to create an engaging and thought-provoking story. The vulnerability depicted in the scene serves as a powerful reminder of the worth of life and the significance of cherishing it. Despite the obstacles we encounter, humanity possesses the ability to show kindness and selflessness in order to assist others. However, our imperfections often make it easy to disregard what truly matters in life.
When confronted with difficult ethical dilemmas, it is imperative to value and respect the perspectives of others. We must embrace the principle of treating others as we ourselves would like to be treated in our daily interactions. Vonnegut’s novel aims to inspire actions that contribute to a more positive future. By actively assisting those who are less fortunate, we serve as examples for others to do the same. Additionally, this collaborative effort will also yield personal advantages.
