Kurt Vonnegut's "So It Goes," a recurring phrase in Slaughterhouse-Five, functions as more than a simple refrain; it acts as a musical motif, an ensemble of interconnected ideas that collectively create a profound thematic harmony. This seemingly simple utterance, repeated after every death in the novel, weaves together the disparate threads of war, free will, time, and acceptance into a cohesive, albeit unsettling, whole. The ensemble of the phrase, then, is its cumulative effect, building a powerful resonance that underscores Vonnegut's central argument about the human condition in the face of overwhelming, often senseless, destruction.
The initial impact of "So It Goes" is its sheer repetition. As Billy Pilgrim experiences the horrors of World War II, particularly the firebombing of Dresden, death becomes an omnipresent, almost mundane, occurrence. The phrase’s deployment after the demise of characters, whether major or minor, civilian or soldier, serves to normalize the unthinkable. This normalization isn't an endorsement of death, but rather a stark acknowledgment of its pervasive reality within the context of war. The ensemble of these deaths, each punctuated by the same phrase, builds a rhythm of loss that mirrors the relentless, cyclical nature of conflict. For instance, when Edgar Derby is executed for stealing a teapot, "So it goes" follows, a jarring juxtaposition of a petty crime and ultimate punishment, highlighting the absurdities of war that lead to such tragic outcomes. This consistent rhythm prevents the reader from dwelling on individual grief in a prolonged way, instead forcing a broader contemplation of the sheer scale of death.
Beyond its rhythmic function, "So It Goes" also embodies a philosophical harmony concerning free will and determinism. Billy Pilgrim becomes "unstuck in time," experiencing his life non-linearly. This temporal displacement, coupled with his Tralfamadorian education in the nature of time, suggests a universe where events are fixed and unchangeable. The Tralfamadorians view time as a single, eternal moment, and human struggles against fate are as futile as a person trying to change the shape of the Grand Canyon. The phrase "So it goes" then becomes an expression of this fatalistic worldview. It’s an admission that, from a cosmic perspective, these events, including death, simply are. They are part of the grand design, or lack thereof. This harmony of perspective—that events unfold as they must—is what Billy ultimately adopts, finding a strange peace in accepting what he cannot alter. The ensemble of his passive observation of his own life, punctuated by this phrase, creates a profound sense of resignation.
Furthermore, the phrase contributes to a harmony of acceptance, a crucial element in Vonnegut's message about coping with trauma. The trauma of war, and indeed life itself, is immense. To rage against every loss, every injustice, would be to succumb to despair. "So It Goes" offers a different path: a quiet acknowledgment, a way to move forward without forgetting, but also without being consumed by sorrow. It’s a way for Billy, and by extension the reader, to process the immense suffering he has witnessed. The harmony here is not one of joy or relief, but of a hard-won equanimity. It’s the sound of a spirit that has seen the worst and found a way to endure. Consider the final scene where Billy, back in his time, hears a phone ring and says "So it goes." This final instance suggests that the phrase has become an ingrained part of his perception, a fundamental operating principle for navigating the ongoing flow of existence, both good and bad.
In conclusion, "So It Goes" is a masterstroke of narrative economy and thematic depth. Vonnegut constructs a powerful ensemble of meaning through the relentless repetition of this simple phrase. It orchestrates a harmony of fatalism, acceptance, and a profound understanding of the human capacity to endure suffering. By punctuating every death with this seemingly detached observation, Vonnegut forces readers to confront the vastness of loss while simultaneously offering a mechanism for its processing. The enduring resonance of "So It Goes" lies in its ability to transform a simple utterance into a philosophical anchor, guiding us through the often chaotic and heartbreaking symphony of life.