In the reading of Handmaid’s Tale, it has succinctly reflects the issue of women’s authority and role in the society. The novel mentions that The Republic of Gilead has subjugated women for sexual slavery, includes one of the main characters of Offred. However, Offred has strong desire for happiness as well as the right for freedom. Yet, she has experienced many obstacles, when it comes to struggling against the totalitarian restrictions to women in the society. In the reading, it illustrates that the control of reproduction is a critical issue in the society. Moreover, women have lack of rights in the society compared to men. For instance, they are not given the right to vote in political events. Women cannot be a contributing individual in the society, as they are also not allowed to receive advanced education, they are not allowed to read, or have a proper job. In many situations, women are considered as subhuman, as they are only considered as a tool of giving birth, in order to reproduce the next generation. In the novel, there is a scene when Offred lies in the bath, and it reflects that she treats her body as an instrument of the desires, and her task is to have sex with the men for the purpose of reproduction, in order to prove that she is useful and has her living values.
Hi Kevin,
You’ve hit on several key elements form the book. You might also think about the contemporary implications of Atwood’s book/ Implications regarding patriarchy ( what you have identified as totalitarian restrictions) and the link between masculinity and the state. You also touch on reproducing for the next generation, I would have liked to have heard your thought on the significance of reproduction in the book, particularly given Dr. Latimer’s essay. In what way does the totality of reproduction function as metaphor in relation to power and women’s bodies?
What your use of articles.