Cat's Cradle Lesson Plan

As Jonah ascends to the presidency, he also begins following Bokononism, and is suddenly made all too aware of the hypocrisy of the fact that he will soon be simultaneously suppressing and promoting the religion. What does this fact say about the book's overarching theme of the futility of human pursuits?

Ask students to consider what Jonah has to offer the people of San Lorenzo, other than good intentions. As far as the text shows, there is nothing in particular to indicate that he will do any better as president than any of those who came before him. Jonah thinks he can somehow lift the San Lorenzans out of destitution, but, in reality, the only actual change he could...