There are multiple similarities shared between both the poem, A Work of Artifice, by Marge Piercy, and the novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood. The main similarity is in the overall theme present in both pieces, more specifically the theme of power and dominance. This is not to belittle the significance of other similarities between the two, such as their parallel views on feminism, along with sexuality and control. The novel and poem resemble each other in numerous ways; they both shed light on bigger meanings and issues present in the world. The theme of power and superiority is very evident in the two pieces. For instance, in the poem, A Work of Artifice, the bonsai tree may be used as a metaphor for women, and the gardener
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However, despite this, women are instead viewed as objects and valuable for their physical appearance in both literary pieces. For example, in lines 17-22 of the poem, Piercy states “with living creatures one must begin very early to dwarf their growth; the bound feet, the crippled brain, the hair in curlers” this shows how women are viewed based on a stereotype and their physical appearance whether that is having small feet or perfect hair. Furthermore, in lines 23-24 of the poem that states, “the hands you love to touch”, demonstrates how women in multiple cases are considered objects, much like the case in The Handmaid’s Tale where women are valued and treated as “…two-legged wombs… sacred vessels, ambulatory chalices” (chapter 23, page 136).
The similarities found in both the poem and novel have agreeing views on important topics such as equal rights and power. Even though it may be written to take place in a distant future, much like in The Handmaid’s Tale, it still can be similar to the poem, due to the significance of these subjects, even if its setting is in a different time or era. These are ever growing matters that continue to be seen or experienced on a day-to-day basis, therefore, poems and novels such as these can shine a light on topics of this
However, despite this, women are instead viewed as objects and valuable for their physical appearance in both literary pieces. For example, in lines 17-22 of the poem, Piercy states “with living creatures one must begin very early to dwarf their growth; the bound feet, the crippled brain, the hair in curlers” this shows how women are viewed based on a stereotype and their physical appearance whether that is having small feet or perfect hair. Furthermore, in lines 23-24 of the poem that states, “the hands you love to touch”, demonstrates how women in multiple cases are considered objects, much like the case in The Handmaid’s Tale where women are valued and treated as “…two-legged wombs… sacred vessels, ambulatory chalices” (chapter 23, page 136).
The similarities found in both the poem and novel have agreeing views on important topics such as equal rights and power. Even though it may be written to take place in a distant future, much like in The Handmaid’s Tale, it still can be similar to the poem, due to the significance of these subjects, even if its setting is in a different time or era. These are ever growing matters that continue to be seen or experienced on a day-to-day basis, therefore, poems and novels such as these can shine a light on topics of this