Gender

Gender as a Theme in The Handmaid's Tale

Atwood aims to highlight inequalities faced by women and marginalized groups.Written during a time of women's civil rights advancements, observance of backlash from religious conservatives.Fear of a Gilead-like society spurred by the rise of religious conservatism.

Understanding Gender

Definition of Gender: Discusses the social and cultural differences between men and women.Patriarchal societies view masculine traits as superior to feminine ones.Example: Emotional sensitivity vs. strength, with strength valorized in society.Extreme beliefs, as depicted in The Handmaid’s Tale, can lead to violence against women.

Timeline of Gender Theory in the United States

First Wave Feminism (1848-1920)Focused on women's suffrage, led largely by white, middle-class women.Achievements: Right to vote (excluded black Americans), increased presence in higher education, political offices.Second Wave Feminism (1960s-1980s)Women entering workforce and rejecting domestic norms.Expanded reproductive rights: access to birth control, legal abortion (e.g., Roe v. Wade, 1973).Increase in feminist organizations; Equal Pay Act of 1963.Third Wave Feminism (1990s-2010s)Aims at abolishing stereotypes, reclaiming derogatory terms, sexual liberation.Focus on race, class, and transgender rights.Use of the internet for activism and expanded discussions about violence against women.Fourth Wave Feminism (2012-present)Highlights intersectionality; rejects gender norms.Utilizes social media for advocacy (e.g., #MeToo, Women’s March).

Atwood's Context

The Handmaid's Tale was published in 1985, influenced by Second Wave feminism.Reaction against a return to the strict gender roles of the 1950s.Distinction between liberal and radical feminism:

  • Liberal Feminism: Seeks equality through reform within existing societal structures.

  • Radical Feminism: Calls for complete societal overhaul to eliminate male supremacy.

Gender Roles in Gilead

Biblical-based roles: Commanders hold power, while women are domestic and subservient.Different female roles:

  • Wives: Manage households.

  • Handmaids: Focus solely on reproduction.

  • Marthas: Responsible for household chores.

The Other

Concept of The Other: Individuals who do not conform to societal norms, notably those who challenge gender roles.

Masculinity in The Handmaid’s Tale

The CommanderRepresents ideals of masculinity: white, straight, Christian, and authoritative.Displays sexist behavior and maintains control over Offred.Quote Analysis: The Commander's claim that "women can't add" encapsulates the patriarchal dismissal of women's intelligence, reinforcing Gilead's oppressive valuing of male superiority over female capabilities.

Offred's RelationshipsRelationship dynamics with Luke, the Commander, and Nick illustrate varying degrees of power and oppression.

  • Luke: Represents modern misogyny; Offred realizes his behavior reflects societal norms that disadvantage women.

  • Nick: Relationship embodies equality, symbolic of mutual need and opposition to Gilead's oppressive structure.Quote Analysis: Offred's reflections on her relationship with Luke highlight the nuanced ways in which male privilege manifests in personal relationships, showcasing a struggle between love and subjugation.

Femininity in Gilead

Women are defined by narrow identities based on their reproductive roles.Envy arises among women, discouraging cooperation and resistance against oppression.

Handmaids and Reproduction

Handmaids symbolize fertility; wearing red signifies their sole purpose as childbirth vessels.Dehumanization is central: referred to as "two-legged wombs."Quote Analysis: The term "two-legged wombs" illustrates the commodification of women's bodies in Gilead, reducing them to mere vessels for reproduction, thereby stripping away their identity and autonomy.

Aunts as Enforcers

The Aunts hold significant power by perpetuating Gilead's regime, often using violence to enforce control over Handmaids.

Racial and Class Representation in Gilead

Gilead is depicted as racially homogenous; lack of diverse representation criticized in comparison to contemporary gender discussions.Econowives: Symbolize class divide, expected to fulfill every domestic role without official recognition.

Quotes with Analysis in The Handmaid’s Tale

  1. "Women can't add" - The Commander

    • Analysis: This quote epitomizes the pervasive patriarchal ideology within Gilead, illustrating the systemic dismissal of women's intellectual abilities. The Commander's remark not only devalues Offred's intelligence but also reinforces the broader societal belief that women are inferior. Through this line, Atwood critiques the simplistic association of masculinity with authority and intellect, thereby highlighting the absurdity of such stereotypes.

  2. "Nolite te bastardes carborundorum" - Offred

    • Analysis: Translated as "Don't let the bastards grind you down," this phrase serves as a rallying cry for resistance against oppression. It encapsulates Offred's struggle to maintain her identity amidst dehumanization. The use of Latin adds a layer of intellectual defiance, suggesting that knowledge and language can empower individuals against tyranny. Atwood employs this motto as a means of solidarity and resilience, symbolizing the undying spirit of rebellion in the face of subjugation.

  3. "I am not a human being; I’m a human doing" - Offred

    • Analysis: This quote reflects Offred's internalization of Gilead's oppressive structures that reduce women to their reproductive functions. The shift from "being" to "doing" underscores the loss of individuality and autonomy in a society that values women solely for their ability to bear children. Atwood's choice of words emphasizes the theme of dehumanization and serves as a critique of societal norms that define women by their roles, rather than their personhood.

  4. "Blessed be the fruit" - Handmaids

    • Analysis: This common greeting among Handmaids highlights the dual meaning of fertility and servitude. The phrase is a ritualistic acknowledgment of a woman's primary purpose in Gilead: reproduction. Atwood employs this language to reinforce the societal conditioning of women, demonstrating how language can both reflect and perpetuate gendered roles. The irony lies in the fact that a phrase meant to celebrate life is steeped in the oppression of female autonomy.

  5. "Freedom to and freedom from" - Offred

    • Analysis: This dichotomy encapsulates the complexities of freedom in Gilead. "Freedom to" suggests the freedom to make choices, while "freedom from" denotes liberation from oppression and danger. Atwood juxtaposes these notions to critique the superficial understanding of freedom in authoritarian regimes, indicating that true freedom must encompass both agency and protection. This quote invites readers to reconsider the multifaceted nature of freedom within the scope of gender roles and societal expectations.