Timequake

About “Timequake”

In the novel by Kurt Vonnegut, the universe is described as pausing its expansion on February 13, 2001. Instead of continuing to expand, it may shrink back to February 17, 1991, before resuming expansion. This cycle forces characters like Vonnegut and Trout to relive the same events of the decade, repeating their choices and mistakes. They must again marry the wrong person, bet on the wrong horse, and experience the same situations. The repetition brings a sense of deja vu, though it avoids the physical harm of the first time. The story explores themes of repetition and the inevitability of past actions.