- The government: Vonnegut also satirizes the government by depicting it as corrupt and apathetic. For example, the government in the novel is more concerned with protecting its own interests than with helping its citizens.
- The media: Vonnegut satirizes the media by portraying it as sensationalistic and irresponsible. For example, the media in the novel is quick to report on the war without considering the consequences of its reporting.
- Religion: Vonnegut satirizes religion by portraying it as a source of comfort rather than a source of truth. For example, the chaplain in the novel is more interested in giving his soldiers false hope than in helping them to understand the reality of war.
- War: Vonnegut satirizes war by portraying it as a senseless and destructive activity. For example, the war in the novel is ultimately fought over nothing, and it results in the deaths of millions of people.