The Handmaid's Tale + A Streetcar Named Desire Themes

How is the theme Survival explored in The Handmaid’s tale?

Survival is one of Atwood’s central concerns (1972 book), physical + psychological survival is vital, Offred telling her stories (structure) is essential to her survival

How does Atwood’s exploration of state tyranny align with Orwell’s?

“Newspeak” is the controlled language used by the totalitarian government in 1984 - any alternative to this is punished just like in Gilead

How does Atwood use double vision in The Handmaid's Tale?

Offred’s narrative views the present through the lense of her past - previous freedoms juxtapose present restrictions

How does Atwood explore the themes of doubling in The Handmaid's Tale?

Identities within Gilead are further reduced as everyone is attached to someone else - however Offred’s mother + Moria do not have doubles (non-conformists)

How are the themes reality and illusion contrasted in A Streetcar Named Desire?

Stanley destroys Blanche’s illusions of Shep Huntleigh when he assaults her

How does Williams’ exploration of reality and illusion align with Steinbeck’s?

Lenny’s tragic dreams are ended with a violent gunshot ew

How does Williams explore his central theme the destructive power of society on the sensitive non-conformist individual?

Blanche is cast out, when she confesses her sins she is viciously punished + pushed into further isolation