It is at this point in the story that Bokononism, ice-nine, and the Hoenikker family become very intriguing. Eventually, religion and the fate of mankind seem to be the focus of the story. .
This novel fits in with Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale mostly in it's religion and biblical references. The novels are also comparable in that both have settings of isolated lands, lands that don't quite function like anywhere else. The Handmaid's Tale takes place in the Republic of Gilead, where the main character Offred lives. Offred used to have a normal life with a husband, daughter, a job, money, etc. Now, she is limited to near slave-like conditions. In Cat's Cradle, the main character John leads a normal life, as do the other characters, until experiencing things on the island of San Lorenzo. The Republic of Gilead seems isolated in a different time, and San Lorenzo seems isolated in a different world. .
The main topic in Cat's Cradle is Bokononism, it's meanings and origins. After the first 80 pages or so, the author's focus shifts from a book about Dr. Hoenikker to Bokononism and it's teachings. Several chapter's quote the books of Bokonon, and throughout the novel there are several references to biblical themes, such John wanting to take a flag to the top of Mount McCabe and leaving it there, sort of an offering. In The Handmaid's Tale, the book opens with 3 epigraphs, and there are also references to the bible and prayers, such as those that can be ordered from Soul Scrolls. .
The first part of the book that I felt was significant was on pages 44-50. These chapters describe ice-nine. Dr. Hoenikker was propositioned by the military to create something that could be used to solidify swampy ground, so that the Marines would not get bogged down while moving. Dr. Hoenikker explained to the marine general that ice nine could be used to harden, or freeze any type of land. As far as anyone knew, this substance did not, and could not exist.