THE CHALLENGE OF CAPTURING VONNEGUT’S SATIRICAL VOICE IN CAT’S CRADLE: THE ARMENIAN CONTEXT

Abstract

This paper analyzes Kurt Vonnegut’s stylistic framework in Cat’s Cradle and the specific difficulties of rendering his prose into Armenian. As a landmark of twentieth-century American satire, Vonnegut’s work relies on a unique blend of irony, black humor, and science fiction to critique modern societal absurdities. This study identifies key devices - specifically metaphor, irony, and forms of repetition such as dysphemism, metonymy, and merism - and examines their functional role in establishing the novel's narrative tone. Particular attention is given to the representation of scientific discourse and the symbolic function of "ice-nine." Through a comparative analysis of the Armenian translation, this study demonstrates how linguistic and cultural barriers are navigated to preserve Vonnegut’s original impact. The findings suggest that while formal equivalence is often used for direct imagery, dynamic equivalence and cultural adaptation are necessary to maintain the novel's biting humor and emotional resonance. This study contributes to Armenian literary research, with implications for the broader field of satirical and postmodern literary adaptation. Ultimately, the research highlights that successful translation in this context requires more than linguistic accuracy; it demands the recreation of Vonnegut’s complex worldview for the Armenian reader.