ve capabilities have not tainted her. If those who are untouched by science become beautiful and perfect, then the rest of humanity would be the same if they disregarded their precious religion. But according to the Books of Bokonon, “given the experience of the past million years”, humanity can hope for “nothing” (164) in the way of making themselves more modernized. Man does not want to give up his religion, and therefore is condemning himself to a barbaric lifestyle, never getting any closer to the truth he seeks. The knowledge gained from science is too precious, so man forsakes perfection for limited happiness in the ability to have power over the fate of millions. Vonnegut illustrates how science is a religion that caters to a selfish race of individuals, who would rather die than forsake the shameless lies they are indoctrinate themselves with.

The world heralds its scientific triumphs as victories for mankind and products of ingenuity, when in fact these advancements are superficial. Vonnegut does not see any point in the existence of science, as it only bolsters man’s ego, while giving him excuses to kill other members of his race, several million at a time. Ice-nine is the triumph of an ‘experiment’ which is in fact the culmination of human destruction, all in the name of advancing society. But man’s greatest technological feat only serves as a weapon of mass destruction, thus proving that humans are only capable of creating instruments of death with their scientific knowledge. Science serves as a religion to the brainwashed, backward, and destructive society known as mankind, and its meaninglessness reflects the people who worship it with utmost reverence.

Analysis

This example high school English paper succeeds because it is easy to read. The essay was described by the grader as “well-written, insightful, in-depth and articulate” and having “great transitions and flow.” The essay’s commentary is particularly well-done – at one point, it points out that in Vonnegut’s novel all humanity would look more beautiful if they turned away from the destructive nature of science. The essay could be improved by making its thesis statement more specific – the author could list examples of how Vonnegut proves his point.