The Handmaids Tale Essay Example

early America, particularly Boston, Massachusetts, known as a center for Puritans.

In Atwood's novel, the society of Gilead is portrayed as a world controlled by men who crave power, employing religion as a tool for control. Atwood draws attention to the oppression of Jews during the Holocaust within her narrative. During Hitler's reign, approximately 6 million Jews lost their lives, while numerous others were subjected to mistreatment in concentration camps at the hands of their captors. In The Handmaid's Tale, Jewish individuals were relocated to reside outside the boundaries of Gilead.

The Gilead colonies were akin to the concentration camps of WWII, imprisoning individuals who either opted or were coerced into inhabiting deplorable conditions. Both societies also dehumanized homosexuals. In the fictitious Republic of Gilead, homosexuals frequently faced execution and were displayed on the Wall. Similarly, during WWII, Hitler commanded the extermination of all homosexuals.

Atwood includes references in her book to illustrate the widespread prevalence of extreme oppression. Through these references, she cautions readers about the potential and existing realities of such oppression. The Handmaid's Tale was penned during the Reagan era, wherein the novel subtly hints at Reagan's influence on America. With his assumption of office in 1981, Reagan initiated a shift towards conservatism in the nation.

Reagan emphasized the importance of families embracing traditional roles and openly expressing his religious beliefs to Americans. He urged Congress to ensure that children could engage in voluntary prayers in schools, just as Congress starts each session with an opening prayer. The religious right fully supported Reagan's position, desiring a return to traditional values after the morally permissive decades of the 60s and 70s. They longed for a society centered

on faith, reminiscent of early American history, particularly the puritanical era. Conservative members of the Republican party even actively opposed legislation promoting gender equality. In 1980, opposition from Republicans contributed to the failure of ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, causing it to lose support. Reagan strongly believed that religion and morals should form the foundation of a great nation.

In Gideon, religion is depicted as a tool used by commanders to suppress women and establish a better society under their control. Simultaneously, the United States continued its ongoing involvement in Middle Eastern affairs.

Women's rights in countries like Afghanistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia were gaining global attention due to the harsh treatment they were enduring. This prompted women worldwide to become more aware of their struggles. In September 1996, a Pakistani court ruled that women could not marry without guardian approval. Saudi Arabian women face even stricter limitations as they are prohibited from driving or participating in government affairs. Religion is often used to oppress women in these nations, demonstrated by a religious cleric condemning any opposition to male guardianship as an affront to God's teachings and advocating punishment against those responsible. Margaret Atwood was well-informed about the obstacles faced by women in certain countries.

In various nations, women are solely esteemed for their capacity to bear children. In the society of Gilead, the most highly prized aspect of existence is the ability to deliver a healthy child without abnormalities. Offred gains greater awareness of the plight faced by these women when she overheard a conversation: "Go to the colonies," Rita suggested, "They have the choice. With the unwomen, and starve to death and Lord knows

what all?" replied Cora (pg13). Women who were unable to conceive were not regarded as true women and were sent away to live in dreadful conditions. The events portrayed in the book strongly reflect this historical era.

Both the attempt to assassinate Reagan and the government-sanctioned killings depicted in the book serve to highlight how society can dangerously resemble Gilead, and how easily significant changes can occur. Reagan supported bringing prayer back into schools as a way to strengthen the nation's connection with God. He stated, "Prayer has been a source of support during times of crisis, a source of empowerment during challenges, and a guiding force in our daily lives since the early settlers arrived on this continent. Our ancestors did not come here solely for riches, but mainly for God and the freedom to worship in their own way" (5). The handmaids were required to participate in prayers and subjected to ceremonies known as "prayvaganzas," where they were married off. Religion was imposed on these women as a means of maintaining their submission.

Atwood's intention in writing The Handmaid's Tale was to highlight the potential consequences of extreme conservative beliefs if no action is taken to promote equality. By examining the book, its historical context, and current society, we can see the negative social patterns discussed by Atwood. She wrote in this manner to emphasize the need for change. The world is not as far removed from the dystopian society of Gilead as many might think, therefore it is up to the reader to determine their role in preventing these conditions from arising and ultimately reversing them.

Bibliography:

"Reagan, Ronald W(ilson)," Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2004

accessed on: December 30 2005