2 B R 0 2 B

The story explores themes of overpopulation, government control, and the value of human life, showcasing Vonnegut’s characteristic blend of dark humor and social commentary.

The scene is a waiting room at the Chicago Lying-In Hospital, where Edward K. Wehling Jr. is faced with the situation that his wife is about to give birth to triplets, but he has found only one person, his maternal grandfather, who will volunteer to die.

""2 B R 0 2 B" presents a dystopian future where population control is strictly enforced, reflecting Vonnegut’s concerns about overpopulation and the potential dehumanization within bureaucratic systems.

Vonnegut’s use of dark humor and irony serves to critique societal norms and question the morality of government intervention in life and death.

[1] Vonnegut's story was the basis for the 2016 Canadian short film 2BR02B: To Be or Naught to Be, directed by Marco Checa Garcia,[2] which premiered at the Sci-Fi-London festival in April 2016.

[6] Vonnegut’s story has influenced a range of other writers and filmmakers who explore themes of dystopia and population control.

The concept of government-regulated life and death in 2 B R 0 2 B can be seen echoed in works such as the film Logan's Run by Michael Anderson, which similarly examines a society that imposes strict population control measures.