The Big Trip Up Yonder By: Kurt Vonnegut (1922-2007)
In Kurt Vonnegut's "The Big Trip Up Yonder," readers are thrust into a future America where the average lifespan has multiplied by five, crowding the world with overpopulated hordes of people. As always, Vonnegut's satirical wit and dark humor is on full display, providing a fascinating exploration of the potential consequences of human overpopulation. Set in New York City, the story follows the extraordinarily long-lived family of the Cohens, specifically the patriarch, Gramps, and his great-grandson, Louis. The Cohens reside in an overcrowded high-rise, where the vertical expansion of buildings has become the norm to accommodate the booming population. Despite their longevity, the Cohens have little to look forward to in their lives, dominated by a relentless cycle of work, sleep, and chaos. What makes this novella truly captivating is Vonnegut's ability to craft a detailed and believable future society. He seamlessly weaves humor and sarcasm into the narrative, constantly poking fun at the absurdities of overpopulation. The portrayal of a dystopian city suffering from the consequences of technological advancements is a cautionary tale that feels eerily prescient, even today. Vonnegut cleverly uses Gramps, the wise and grumpy old man, as a mouthpiece for his social commentary. Through Gramps, he explores themes such as the desensitization of death, the futility of life when extended indefinitely, and the loss of individuality within an overcrowded society. These weighty topics are handled with a light touch, mixing humor and tragedy to create a thought-provoking reading experience. While the characters are not extensively developed due to the novella's brevity, they serve their purpose of showcasing various reactions to their circumstances. Each family member adds a unique layer to the story, highlighting the consequences of humanity's insatiable desire for longer lives. The Cohens represent both the benefits and drawbacks of immortality, making readers reflect upon their own mortality and the value of a finite existence. Vonnegut demonstrates his mastery of the short story format in "The Big Trip Up Yonder." His prose is concise and engaging, immersing readers in the chaos-ridden world of the Cohens. It's remarkable how he manages to cram so much social commentary, humor, and poignant moments into such a compact work. Like all of his works, this novella challenges conventional wisdom and forces readers to contemplate the implications of their actions. In conclusion, "The Big Trip Up Yonder" is a hilarious and thought-provoking depiction of a world plagued by overpopulation. Vonnegut's biting satire and clever observations make for an entertaining read, while also serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked technological advancements. Although it is too short to delve deeply into its characters, the novella succeeds in sparking important discussions about the value of life and the consequences of playing with the very fabric of humanity. As always, Vonnegut proves why he is a master of blending dark humor and social critique, leaving readers both entertained and introspective. First Page: THE BIG TRIP UP YONDER By KURT VONNEGUT, JR. Illustrated by KOSSIN If it was good enough for your grandfather, forget it ... it is much too good for anyone else! Gramps Ford, his chin resting on his hands, his hands on the crook of his cane, was staring irascibly at the five foot television screen that dominated the room. On the screen, a news commentator was summarizing the day's happenings. Every thirty seconds or so, Gramps would jab the floor with his cane tip and shout, "Hell, we did that a hundred years ago!" Emerald and Lou, coming in from the balcony, where they had been seeking that 2185 A.D. rarity privacy were obliged to take seats in the back row, behind Lou's father and mother, brother and sister in law, son and daughter in law, grandson and wife, granddaughter and husband, great grandson and wife, nephew and wife, grandnephew and wife, great grandniece and husband, great grandnephew and wife and, of course, Gramps, who was in front of everybody. All save Gramps, who was somewhat withered and bent, seemed, by pre anti gerasone standards, to be about the same age somewhere in their late twenties or early thirties. Gramps looked older because he had already reached 70 when anti gerasone was invented. He had not aged in the 102 years since. "Meanwhile," the commentator was saying, "Council Bluffs, Iowa, was still threatened by stark tragedy... Continue reading book >>

The Big Trip Up Yonder By: Kurt Vonnegut (1922-2007)

In Kurt Vonnegut's "The Big Trip Up Yonder," readers are thrust into a future America where the average lifespan has multiplied by five, crowding the world with overpopulated hordes of people. As always, Vonnegut's satirical wit and dark humor is on full display, providing a fascinating exploration of the potential consequences of human overpopulation.

Set in New York City, the story follows the extraordinarily long-lived family of the Cohens, specifically the patriarch, Gramps, and his great-grandson, Louis. The Cohens reside in an overcrowded high-rise, where the vertical expansion of buildings has become the norm to accommodate the booming population. Despite their longevity, the Cohens have little to look forward to in their lives, dominated by a relentless cycle of work, sleep, and chaos.

What makes this novella truly captivating is Vonnegut's ability to craft a detailed and believable future society. He seamlessly weaves humor and sarcasm into the narrative, constantly poking fun at the absurdities of overpopulation. The portrayal of a dystopian city suffering from the consequences of technological advancements is a cautionary tale that feels eerily prescient, even today.

Vonnegut cleverly uses Gramps, the wise and grumpy old man, as a mouthpiece for his social commentary. Through Gramps, he explores themes such as the desensitization of death, the futility of life when extended indefinitely, and the loss of individuality within an overcrowded society. These weighty topics are handled with a light touch, mixing humor and tragedy to create a thought-provoking reading experience.

While the characters are not extensively developed due to the novella's brevity, they serve their purpose of showcasing various reactions to their circumstances. Each family member adds a unique layer to the story, highlighting the consequences of humanity's insatiable desire for longer lives. The Cohens represent both the benefits and drawbacks of immortality, making readers reflect upon their own mortality and the value of a finite existence.

Vonnegut demonstrates his mastery of the short story format in "The Big Trip Up Yonder." His prose is concise and engaging, immersing readers in the chaos-ridden world of the Cohens. It's remarkable how he manages to cram so much social commentary, humor, and poignant moments into such a compact work. Like all of his works, this novella challenges conventional wisdom and forces readers to contemplate the implications of their actions.

In conclusion, "The Big Trip Up Yonder" is a hilarious and thought-provoking depiction of a world plagued by overpopulation. Vonnegut's biting satire and clever observations make for an entertaining read, while also serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked technological advancements. Although it is too short to delve deeply into its characters, the novella succeeds in sparking important discussions about the value of life and the consequences of playing with the very fabric of humanity. As always, Vonnegut proves why he is a master of blending dark humor and social critique, leaving readers both entertained and introspective.

First Page:

THE BIG TRIP UP YONDER

By KURT VONNEGUT, JR.

Illustrated by KOSSIN

If it was good enough for your grandfather, forget it ... it is much too good for anyone else!

Gramps Ford, his chin resting on his hands, his hands on the crook of his cane, was staring irascibly at the five foot television screen that dominated the room. On the screen, a news commentator was summarizing the day's happenings. Every thirty seconds or so, Gramps would jab the floor with his cane tip and shout, "Hell, we did that a hundred years ago!"

Emerald and Lou, coming in from the balcony, where they had been seeking that 2185 A.D. rarity privacy were obliged to take seats in the back row, behind Lou's father and mother, brother and sister in law, son and daughter in law, grandson and wife, granddaughter and husband, great grandson and wife, nephew and wife, grandnephew and wife, great grandniece and husband, great grandnephew and wife and, of course, Gramps, who was in front of everybody. All save Gramps, who was somewhat withered and bent, seemed, by pre anti gerasone standards, to be about the same age somewhere in their late twenties or early thirties. Gramps looked older because he had already reached 70 when anti gerasone was invented. He had not aged in the 102 years since.

"Meanwhile," the commentator was saying, "Council Bluffs, Iowa, was still threatened by stark tragedy... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Science
Short stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Kurt Vonnegut
Wikipedia – The Big Trip Up Yonder

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac