Player Piano

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1952

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Introduction

Before Reading

During Reading

After Reading

Introduction

Teacher Introduction

Player Piano

Genre: Fiction; dystopian/science fiction; satire
Originally Published: 1952
Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 930L; college/adult
Structure/Length: 35 chapters; approximately 352 pages; approximately 11 hours, 31 minutes on audio
Protagonist/Central Conflict: Player Piano is a dystopian science fiction novel set in a future society where machines have replaced human labor, creating a highly stratified and dehumanized world. The central conflict follows Dr. Paul Proteus, an engineer in this automated society, who becomes disillusioned with the devaluation of human creativity and individuality. As he grapples with his own sense of purpose and identity, he becomes involved in a rebellion against the system. The novel explores general themes of automation, technology, class struggle, and the role of the individual in a mechanized world.
Potential Sensitivity Issues: Societal control, dehumanization, and rebellion; profanity

Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Author

Bio: Born 1922, deceased 2007; American novelist known for his unique blend of science fiction, satire, and social commentary; celebrated for his thought-provoking and darkly humorous works; authored a range of novels that continue to be praised for their satirical and philosophical elements
Other Works: Cat’s Cradle (1963); Slaughterhouse-Five (1969); Breakfast of Champions (1973)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

Industrialization and Humanity’s Loss of Agency
Disconnection
Technology as Deity

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

Gain an understanding of utopian and dystopian literature in the 20th century to analyze the literary and historical background of the novel.
Discuss paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of Industrialization and Humanity’s Loss of Agency, Disconnection, and Technology as Deity.
Think critically about the pros and cons of mechanization in a group activity in which students design their own machines.
Evaluate the novel’s elements and themes in structured essay responses on agency, the role of women, and other topics.