chapter 7

"There were different raps on the factory window, Derby was out there, having seen all. He wanted some syrup too. So Billy made a lollipop for him. He opened the window. He stuck the lollipop into poor old Edgar Derby's mouth. A moment passes, and then Derby burst into tears. Billy closed the window and hid the sticky spoon. Someone was coming" (Vonnegut 161).

This quote is referring to the fact that ever since the soldiers have been working in the syrup factory, they have been using spoons to eat the syrup. This picture is relevant because it is of multiple spoons of different sizes, like the ones that are hidden around the factory.

I think that in this chapter Vonnegut uses the syrup to symbolize the pleasures that the prisoners long for after being away form home. The soldiers are constantly surrounded by the temptation to eat the sweet syrup that may remind some of memories of candy or molasses and of a better time in their life. The soldiers' hiding of spoons and making of syrup lollipops resembles a child-like behavior, and so does Edgar Derby's desire for a taste after he sees Billy eating some. I think that Derby's tears of joy after tasting the syrup illustrate the longing of the prisoners to return to their pleasant lives.