Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 5.3 - Aliens, Trauma, and the Children’s Crusade

Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship

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Why listen to this episode? Because where else will you find a discussion that careens from Billy Pilgrim’s mental unraveling to the mystical fourth dimension, with a pit stop to clarify that William Blake did not play Beretta? This chapter of Slaughterhouse-Five is full of existential dread, awkward family dynamics, and war-torn surrealism—all while Dan wrestles with a squeaky chair. Join us for a conversation that’s as chaotic and thought-provoking as Vonnegut’s own prose.

Things To Listen For:

• Billy’s tiny coat, morphine dreams, and an oddly poetic bedside table.
• Robot explains the fourth dimension and clears up Robert Blake vs. William Blake (spoiler: Beretta is not Romantic poetry).
• Vonnegut’s take on war as “babies fighting babies” and how it all ties back to the Children’s Crusade.

Featured Clips:

This episode includes a brief excerpt from the theme song of Beretta, sung by Sammy Davis Jr., and aired from 1975 to 1978, to enhance the discussion of Robert Blake. The use of this clip falls under fair use guidelines for criticism and commentary. All rights and copyrights remain with their original owners.

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Disclaimer:

Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment in accordance with fair use guidelines. The material from Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut is shared under these principles. All copyrights remain with the original copyright holder. We encourage listeners to purchase a copy of the book for the full experience.

Topics Covered:

Slaughterhouse-Five, Billy Pilgrim, William Blake, Robert Blake, fourth dimension, Children’s Crusade, Vonnegut, censorship, banned books, Beretta theme song.