Laughter is the spark of the soul

A way of expressing saddness, frusteration or happiness. An overflow of emotion or exhaustion. Most of the time that I see people cry is because the situation isn't pleasant. Looking back on those moments, crying is so useless because the situation you're crying about doesn't change afterwards. The world doesn't get brighter; actions aren't undone and words aren't unsaid. I'd like to point out that I scarcely cry. I grew out of it years ago. Laughter is a big part of my life nowadays. Its a great way to feel better about anything...almost anything. Laughter can lighten the mood or stop an awkward moment. It can express happiness as well as saddness. Like remembering the way things used to be and softly laughing to yourself about it all changing. I think laughter is a fantastic replacement for tears. Laugh lines or crows feet and dimples are much better than runny mascara or a red nose and blotchy skin. I really do love laughter.
"Laughter and tears are both responses to frusteration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward."
Vonnegut clearly incorporates this thought into his novel, those moments he laughs at and uses dark humour... most people would cringe and sob if they were in the same situation. I think this quote signifies that he had endured so much in his lifetime and crying everyday about those moments wouldn't change anything, it would only make him remember them more and increase the heartache. Laughing about the difficult times could have been his way of coping, if he found some form of humour it would be easier to write about and recall. Maybe Vonnegut thought America wasn't ready for the full on experience of the war too. I think, this quote proves that Vonnegut was wise enough to save himself a lifetime of puffy eyes and his unique humour adds to the style that defines him.