Chapter Six: Allusion

In chapter six, Billy is awoken by "animal magnetism" and discovers two small lumps in the lining of his overcoat. He is told to "...be content with knowing that they could work miracles for him, provided he did not insist on learning their nature."


This reminds me of a biblical story Vonnegut mentioned in chapter one: the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. While Lot and his wife were fleeing, Lot's wife is overcome with the irresistible temptation to look back. She knew it would immobilize her, but she could not resist and paid the consequences.

Billy knows that he has been instructed not to investigate the mysterious lumps, but his curiosity is piqued. He has to try his absolute hardest to curb his desire to find out in order to avoid any negative ramifications that may occur.