"Any reviewer who expresses rage and loathing for a novel is preposterous. He or she is like a person who has put on full armor and attacked a hot fudge sundae"

In this quote, Kurt Vonnegut employs a vivid metaphor to review the extreme negativeness often displayed by book customers. His contrast suggests that expressing intense anger or hatred towards a novel is not only unnecessary but likewise unreasonable. The image of a person wearing full armor to attack a hot fudge sundae serves to highlight the variation in between the effort and hostility invested by the customer and the relatively harmless nature of the book itself.

Vonnegut's usage of "complete armor" symbolizes severe measures and baseless aggression. Armor is generally associated with warfare and security against powerful opponents. By equating an unique to a "hot fudge sundae," Vonnegut presents it as something benign, even pleasant. This juxtaposition underscores the disproportionate reaction of the reviewer, showing that the aggression stems more from the customer's disposition than from the book's material.

The option of a hot fudge sundae is deliberate, stimulating sensations of comfort and extravagance. Books, like desserts, are crafted for satisfaction and reflection, not for prompting dispute. Through this metaphor, Vonnegut suggests that literature needs to be engaged with an open mind and a sense of gratitude, even if it does not resonate with everyone.

Vonnegut's review also encompasses the more comprehensive practice of criticism. It raises concerns about the role and obligation of reviewers. While crucial feedback is vital for the literary ecosystem, the way in which it is delivered matters. Expressing rage or loathing does little to foster constructive discussion; instead, it reflects poorly on the customer, suggesting an absence of subtlety or compassion. By highlighting the absurdity of such extreme reactions, Vonnegut advocates for a more measured, thoughtful approach to literary criticism-- one that recognizes the subjective nature of taste and allows for varied interpretations and experiences of literature.