The Role Of Women In The Handmaid's Tale

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Women have worked towards gaining equal treatment in society since the late 1800s because they have always been said to belong at home and not in the workplace. During World War II, women were able to acquire jobs because labor was extremely scarce and supplies were vital. Scenarios such as this are known as sexism. Misogyny of this type makes women feel degraded and horribly beguiled. Yet, women are still being deprived of their rights because of idiotic and sexist reasons, even though they are capable of doing the task at hand. Such treatment causes women to be seen as a minority to everyone because some people believe the sole purpose of a woman is to cook, clean, raise the kids, and have no voice. Yet, similar issues have surfaced in history …show more content…
Atwood sets her in a radical society where everyone must follow the laws or else die; everyone is divided into categories based on their purpose in society. Atwood explains throughout her novel how the girls must behave, what to say and not say, what to do, and what to wear. For some people, experiences similar to Offred’s can make someone feel controlled and extremely passive. Perkins explains in her critical essay “women in Gilead must concentrate on basic survival and so avoid direct, honest reactions to this marginalization and the terror tactics of those in power.” Women cannot react, only suppress their emotions and continue one’s life. The novel enhances the viewpoint of people about the treatment of women and how to appreciate life. Throughout the novel, Atwood gradually exceeds Offred’s character to rebel against the laws and challenges she faces only to be victorious in the end. Women, such as African American slaves, can relate to Offred because these women have dealt with verbal abuse, inequality, and sexual encounters with their owners. A student described The Handmaid 's Tale as “one of the most fascinating and compelling novels she had ever read. She became so wrapped up in the novel that she found it difficult to put the novel down. She felt she was alongside Offred, experiencing everything that Atwood 's

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