Critical Analysis of "The Handmaid's Tale"
Critical Analysis of "The Handmaid's Tale"
The Republic Of Gilead is an oppressive regime which relies on fear to control its inhabitants.' With reference to the first twelve chapters, discuss the methods of control used and the ways in which the narrator struggles to survive.
'Oppression' can be defined as 'the exercising of power, arbitrarily and often unjustly.' A regime refers to the 'mode or system of rule or management; character of government, or of the prevailing social pattern.' In 'A Handmaids Tale' by Margaret Atwood, the Republic Of Gilead is an oppressive regime. It is a social system where cruelty and power are used as a means of authority. Gilead is a highly military state in the USA in which social agendas are dictated by the male hierarchy and the residents are permanently threatened by an overshadow of fear which is used as a method of control. The novel is narrated by the female protagonist - a Handmaid known to the reader as 'Offred' whose purpose is to act as a surrogate Mother for her Commander and his wife. It is through her that we are introduced to the strict control methods which inhabitants have to abide by.
'Control' is a major theme throughout the novel - whether it be by the regimentation of life, the strict communication laws or the way in which people are stripped of their individuality. The whole environment in Gilead is carefully monitored and observed to ensure the 'smooth' running of society. Suicides appear to be a major threat to civilization as they serve as an 'escape route' out of the oppressive lifestyle - therefore precautions are taken to ensure that suicide never becomes an option. Offred states that 'they've removed anything you could tie a rope to' to prevent hangings (often by stockings), there is also a mention that there is 'no glass' in picture frames - even glass in the windows is 'shatterproof'. Razors and any other potentially harmful objects (such as ornaments) have been removed to ensure that an urge to 'escape' is never satisfied. These arrangements, although seemingly severe, were seen as necessary after many handmaids took their own lives after poor adaptation to the new regime.
Handmaids are not permitted to leave their 'home' except for their daily walks and their shopping visits. During these expeditions the handmaids must walk in 'twos' - with a mirror image of themselves. It...