While reading the near fifty pages of chapter five, I made a significant connection between Billy Pilgrim's last name and the first settlers of America, also named pilgrims. Upon reading the comment made by Billy's mother, "'The Pilgrims are coming up in the world.'"(119), I recognized the fact that Vonnegut may have used the name "Pilgrim" to allude to the pilgrims. Just as Billy is "coming up in the world" through his occupation, the pilgrims came up in the world by establishing colonies in America. Additionally, Billy Pilgrim can be similarly be described as a trailblazer because of his journeys to Tralfamadore. This symbolism is deepened since Billy is the first human to speak of his sojourn to the alien world just as the pilgrims were some of the first to trek to America which was considered an alien world during that time period. Therefore, the name "Pilgrim" is more than a mere coincidence.
Later on in the book, I also realized that Billy's name was more than just a tag to describe his character. I certainly agree with all your points. I also realized that there may be some significance in the name "Billy." Billy is a rather common name and nickname. Then perhaps Billy is a symbol for all people? If that, then maybe a theme could be that everybody should be a pilgrim in their life?
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