Chapter Five: Superman?

     Billy Pilgrim is not a typical character that has amazing skills and saves the day. I noticed the fact that Pilgrim is more of a zero than a hero. Chapter five included many time travel trips to the hospital. Vonnegut writes, "Billy traveled in time back to the veterans' hospital again" (107). Even in his 40's, Billy Pilgrim was a weak man. His daughter feared that he was vulnerable to the world, especially when Barbara says, "'Oh my God, you are a child. If we leave you alone here, you'll freeze to death, you'll starve to death'" (131-132). Billy Pilgrim is not an ordinary character who has amazing powers to save other people, but vice versa. Other people like the doctors in the veterans' hospital and his daughter have to come to his aid to help him through life. I must not underestimate Billy Pilgrim, though. He could always evolve to become the character that saves everyone's lives. He might also have a secret skill hidden inside, like patience. No one notices a gift that allows one to be in a state of equanimity all the time. In the end of the chapter, I realized that Billy Pilgrim is an antihero. An antihero is a central character who lacks typical heroic features.