Discourse and Oppression in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale
Society before the revolution did not treat both genders in an unbiased manner. Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale clearly explains how men had the power to do whatever they wished for even if it was punishing/mistreating women in the worst possible manner. According to Margaret Atwood, there were major differences in the societies that existed before and after Gilead.
Margaret Atwood has explained the “Gilead Discourse” with a lot of detail in The Handmaid’s Tale. She mentions that during Gilead, women were controlled using both verbal and physical modes. Insulting statements were used to suppress them and several physical assaults were also done in certain situations.
In accordance with the central thought of Gilead, women could not dress according to their preferences and suitability. They had to wear what men wanted them to. Margaret Atwood also talks about Offred who is controlled by the Commander. In terms of position, the Commander holds the most powerful position and has complete ownership of Offred. He is the decision-maker of his respective house. In other words, Offred has to listen to everything he says.
The Handmaid’s Tale explains that the commander can demand anything that he wants. For instance, if he wants Offred to have a game of chess with him, he can do so. Offred has a worrying mindset due to the male dominance that she has to experience. She explains how the dominating nature of men used to worry her.
Offred explains her fears in a lot of ways. One of the points was about the Commander labeling her as “Unwoman” and sending her to the colonies. This would happen if she was unable to get pregnant within three months of performing sexual acts.
In a nutshell, The Handmaid’s Tale explains how gender inequalities made life miserable for women. They had to face severe torture at the hands of men and were not permitted to use their own will for anything. In addition to that, no respect was given to them even if they fulfilled all the demands of men.
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