Analysis of “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood

Women Gender Study: Analysis of “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
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Women Gender Study: Analysis of “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
THESIS: This research will analyze "Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, a Canadian author, and feminist whose novel considers issues of gender a central agenda.
* Introduction
* Handmaid’s Tale (Atwood, 1986)
* Analysis of Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
* Gender issues
* Sex and occupation
* Politics and gender (Burack, 1989)
* Gender and dangers of religion (Miceli, 2018)
* The legitimacy of women (Stillman, 1994)
* Conclusion
The significance of the Findings
American society has witnessed certain political and cultural forces that have proliferated over the last few decades. These forces have been termed as the return of the traditional Christian values that undermined women and made their male counterparts to appear superior. The 2016 election campaigns were marred with speeches that were antifeminist and Atwood’s “The handmaid’s tale” is a reminder that women are still treated differently from men and considered less superior. Atwood echoes what is happening in a modern society where women do not have the rights to take some political and social responsibilities. Religious fundamentalism teachings that treat women as different from men should be revised in this 21st century. Access to education, equality at the workplace, and rights to abortion are some of the areas scholars have revisited around the world. Perhaps such practices will stop after the utopian society starts treating women as equal.
The lesson I learn from this analysis is that women have remained divided and not fully participated in the realization of a free society that does not allow men to dominate over women. While responsibilities such as childbearing can negatively impact their role in the society, some women around the world, both historical and modern women, have broken the glass ceiling to become the most successful and ambitious figures. All women should emulate such successes and reverse the trend of having male-dominance in modern society. Unity should be the main approach in ending this trend, and this begins from political participation where women should be voted into the Senate and air their views regarding the issues they face in their everyday lives.
Annotated Bibliography
Atwood, M. (1986). The handmaid’s tale. New York: O.W. Toad, Ltd
In her book, “The handmaid’s tale,” Atwood (1986) communicates a powerful feminist message necessary for transforming the woman’s world in an era that seems to be dominated by men. This contemporary classic novel is set in a totalitarian state, a society in the Republic of Gilead that treats women as state properties. In this repressive and brutal theocracy, there are countless environmental calamities and a slowing birth rate. As the society attempts to multiply its population, the few remaining reproductive women find themselves stripped of their rights and in sexual servitude. The white, on the contrary, are elevated to the ultimate...