Preface... like before the face

I feel that Vonnegut chose to make the first chapter the way he did because it is introducing us to a character and the events that may have shaped this character. A preface is defined as "An introduction to a book, typically stating its subject, scope, or aims. This chapter doesn't really tell you any of that. This chapter is giving, in my opinion, needed background to better understand the story.

Another reason I believe that Vonnegut made chapter one not a preface is because there is a short quote before the chapter stating "The cattle are lowing,-The baby awakes.-But the little Lord Jesus-No crying He makes." I believe that that is the true preface. A lot of authors may put a short quote or poem as a preface. That is why I believe that Vonnegut made the first chapter the way he did.