Events that shaped the biography of Kurt Vonnegut include his experiences in World War II and his struggles with mental health. Serving as a prisoner of war during the bombing of Dresden, he drew upon these traumatic events in his acclaimed novel "Slaughterhouse-Five." Vonnegut's literary style, characterized by satire and dark humor, was influenced by his desire to critique societal norms and the absurdity of existence. His work often reflects themes of humanism and the impact of war on the human psyche, making him an important voice in American literature.