Examples Of Despotism In The Handmaid's Tale

Decent Essays
Andrew Chiang
Period: 3
6 October 2017
Mr. Chance
Prompt 1 Gilead is not a exact reflection of our own world. Atwood’s perception on the oppression system with the concept of creation and sustainability are universal. Tyranny perpetuating itself at the expense of hopeless and voiceless people, is the heart of The Handmaid’s tale. Offred’s struggles convey an act of hope and demonstrate an essential understanding of survival in abusive systems. Recognizing the presence of hope, shrouded by the signs and dangers of an oppressive regime is the key lesson to take from Atwood’s vision of Gilead. Despotism is being disguised and view as a misconception of “normal”. The new leaders in Gilead reconstruct the community and present a new set of system, which follow a scriptural order of things. In the beginning transformation of Gilead, Offred heard a women saying,” It’s outrageous, what was it about this that made us feel we deserved it?” (Atwood 177). People of color are the Children of Ham so they are obligated of being slaved, according to the Bible. Men are weak and it is leading them astray by women's sexual attraction, so women are the
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There are some extent within Gilead’s strict community of purity, a secret club only available to powerful people in the government circle. When the commander takes Offred to Jezebel, Offred sees people with make-up, olden-days lingerie, which is strictly forbidden in the society. Such place exist because “everyone’s human after all. Nature demands variety for men. It stands to reason, it’s part of the procreational strategy. It’s nature’s plan” (Atwood 237). Men are naturally prone to want variety, so if a man is powerful or wealthy enough, they will seek of a path according to his various needs. The subjugation of the society by the government only benefit themselves. It does not improve Offred’s life or any others who is living under their

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