A Prayer of Serenity

Chapter 9 brings a reappearance of the Serenity Prayer. In chapter three Billy recalls it in his office on a plaque. Now in chapter 9 we see it reappear when Billy sees a "silver chain around Montana Wildhack's neck.  Hanging from it, between her breasts, was a locket containing a photograph of her alcoholic mother--a grainy thing, soot and chalk.  It could have bee anybody.  Engraved on the outside of the locket were these words:  God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom always to know the difference." This reminds Billy of the all too true idea that he cannot change the past, present, or future. This is a keen recapitulation of the entire novel. As the Tralfamadorians say, It will happen, always has happened, and always will happen.