The Handmaid's Tale and Catcher in the Rye
Offred, from The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, and Holden Caulfield, from Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, are both leading a conformist's life and would rather live in the past than deal with the present. Offred's conformity was forced upon her while Holden's is his own choice. Offred and Holden remember the past as a form of freedom and cannot move on. The authors' protagonists are very different and yet are still dealing with similar issues. Both Atwood and Salinger have a strong personal connection with the subject matter of their books. Offred is forced into conformity by her society. She is forced to wear clothing which defines class and rank and she is conditioned by the Aunts just like all the other "handmaids". Even when Offred thinks
Religion controls Offred's society, and religion is another type of conformity. e is rebelling and breaking the rules when she goes to the Commander's room at night she soon finds out that the previous handmaid had done the same. He comments on Ackley, who lives in the adjoining dorm "I never once saw him brush his teeth. She sits in the corner and dreams of the past instead of acting. " (Salinger, 19) Offred's internal dialogue and constant flashbacks show us how she struggles with the reality of her present situation and how much she yearns for the past. Holden Caulfield does not want to grow up and he doesn't want things to change. He's afraid of being judged but he contradicts himself and judges everyone around him. The only way to make anything happen is to take a risk, but Offred lets others take risks for her.
Common topics in this essay:
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