Views of Society and Gender

The most obvious similarity in the two books is the abundant use of humor in the presentation of the problems and the outlooks of the authors. Both Heller and Paley see the absurdity in life. The first lines of both books establish this fact. In heller, we read: "It was love at first sight. The first time Yossarian saw the chaplain he fell madly in love with him" (Heller 7). Paley's first story begins: "I was popular in certain circles, says Aunt Rose. I wasn't no thinner then, only more stationary in the flesh" (Paley 9). After reading such light-hearted opening lines, the reader might expect books which emphasize humor over gravity. Although both authors use humor heavily throughout their works, however, they part company quickly with respect to their attitude toward life and their fundamental treatment of their material. Heller's book maintains its absurdity throughout---despite the fact that it is a thoroughly anti-war work, while Paley's book takes life much more seriously. In Heller's world, there is little but madness, although it is often a well-organized madness. In Paley's world, the characters are taken much m

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d. 'Besides, I am driven by love'" (Paley 13). The same story ends with these lines: My goodness, I am already late. Give me a kiss. After all, I watched you grow from a plain seed. So give me a couple wishes on my wedding day. A long and happy life. Many years of love. Hug Mama, tell her from Aunt Rose, goodbye and good luck (Paley 22). Heller, with his cynical perspective, would never leave the reader with such a hopeful and humane sentiment. In fact, his book ends with mere survival in the face of absurd violence: "Yossarian jumped. Nately's whore was hiding just outside the door. The knife came down, missing him by inches, and he took off" (Heller 463). There is much love and forgiveness in Paley, but when we run into love in Heller it is inevitably wrapped in lust or hopelessness, and when forgiveness is mentioned, it is usually half-hearted or manipulative or downright false: "And it was indeed an objective Peckhem who gazed at Colonel Scheisskopf encouragingly and resumed his indoctrination with an attitude of magnanimous forgiveness" (Heller 329). Again, Paley uses humor extensively to humanize her characters, but underlying the humor is a faith in those characters and their plight. She can also be as earthy and l
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1332
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page)

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