The novel by Margret, “The Handmaid Tale," address feminist whose main idea dwells on the male dominating the society and how they have taken control over women, even if it means violence, they must dominate. The book was released to the public in 1985 based on how society positioned women; despite being humans, they were regarded as sub-humans. The women in the society were threatened, and the central conflict of feminism in the novel arises when Offred struggles to maintain her dignity as a human amid the oppressive power of the Gilead Republic. Women in society are viewed as worthless beings; this is expressed when Offred is perceived as a walking uterus by his commander despite seeing herself as human like any other.
Feminism in Handmaid’s Tale Novel, by Margaret Atwood. Essay
Feminism has existed for decades. The novel by Margret, “The Handmaid Tale," address feminist whose main idea dwells on the male dominating the society and how they have taken control over women, even if it means violence, they must dominate. The book was released to the public in 1985 based on how society positioned women; despite being humans, they were regarded as sub-humans. The women in the society were threatened, and the central conflict of feminism in the novel arises when Offred struggles to maintain her dignity as a human amid the oppressive power of the Gilead Republic. Women in society are viewed as worthless beings; this is expressed when Offred is perceived as a walking uterus by his commander despite seeing herself as human like any other. Offred reflects on her stay in the red center, where she struggles under the authority of the person of aunts who dominates the red center. Offred and her peer were subjected to brutal conditions which forced them to limit their power as women. In this perspective, the author shows that society discriminates against the entire gender of female irrespective of the age or ability one hold. Feminist theory has contributed largely to shaping society to consider the female and male gender as equal.
Further, at the family level, women are subjected to intimidation by the male gender. Offred reflects on her stay with her mother in her early days and their friend Moira, an independent woman. She remembers her marriage to Luke in her old days, with whom they had a daughter. Despite Offred doing his wifely duty to satisfy his husband and family, she doesn't receive the respect she deserves as a human because of her gender. Offred noted an element of struggle she faced as a representation of males taking dominion over women, even though the females were still determined to make it, irrespective of the condition. The gender division of labor appeared normal, and women were not allowed to talk aloud but rather whisper in silence. Offred was forced to separate from her daughter and husband unwillingly.
Moreover, Women have remained courageous in society; they want to be heard and express their views. This is represented by Offred, who has remained passive amid intimidation, and when she finds an opportunity, she utilizes it to express herself. She grabs the chance to talk to Moira when they meet at the red center and another chance at Jezebel's. She also gains the courage to meet the commander alone, even after knowing they see him as nothing but a walking uterus. Even though she sees and knows everything about how women are oppressed, she doesn't actively act against their authority.
On the contrary, Offred's mother is active in the resistance, which attracts her to join a feminist known as "Take Back the Night," a movement in which they work with her friend Moira and other women who want equality in society. Moira is an active woman who escapes the red center based on her resistance against female discrimination; she doesn't agree with Aunty Lydia's teachings about women in society. Moira is a member of the female rebel group "Mayday" She has gained the power to stand up for herself and other feminists. It is opposite to Offred, who gives minimal resistance based on their oppression level. She is a less dramatic woman.
Feminists and rebels in society still exist today. Freedom for women was fought for; however, women portrayed different characters and resistance to discrimination authority . It is seen between Offred's minimal resistance and her mother's fierce resistance, even though they all seek freedom from oppression. Offred faithfully witnesses what is happening and tries to preserve her memories and maintain her identity. This is a reflection of how the majority of female reacts in the face of oppression. Few have the courage and power to stand out and face the issue directly, whereas many will approach it indirectly with the hope of finding freedom sometimes. In the present society, the same still happens; the male has been given the higher priority, and when a woman faces intimidation, few will speak out directly to the oppressor. There is gender inequality, and one gender is suffered due to how the culture believes and how society positions the two gender and give male more power. This means feminist women have to stand out and be the voice of others. In the Red Center, Aunty Lydia encourages the current Gilead policy placed on women and claims that it gives them a higher privilege in society; however, the feminist women don't agree with her.
Reproduction was the position of women in society. Gilead was established to respond to the issue of the abnormal decrease in birth rates. With its state structure and religious doctrine, the Gilead had one language to control reproduction in women. They controlled the entire women's body, using their political powers. It attracted gender division of labor; women didn’t vote or hold any meaningful jobs or properties in society. Women were not allowed to read or engage in anything that could make them independent, which might eventually make them undermine the state and their husbands. In society, women were managed as subhuman and equated to their fertility nature, identified with ovaries and womb. A man would fill the woman's womb to make her useful in society, or else they would be regarded as useless.
Before the establishment of Gilead's ruthless authority, women viewed themselves differently, and Offred saw herself as an instrument of her desires. The Gilead authority came in to deprive women of their identity and position them as less human beings; this makes them useless beings that could be carried to the next generation. The rise of the rebel group was intentional, reflecting what happens in the present world. Several feminist movements have erased the cultural perception that women are not entitled to follow their passion other than their reproduction role in society. These rebel groups contributed to the growth of feminism theory.
In conclusion, feminism has helped women to have a stand in society. The feminist theory has brought equality to society, unlike the ancient days when women were intimidated by society and their roles were reproduction and caring for their husbands. The submission was not compromised, and they were denied many rights. The feminist movement, as described by the author, helped to bring light to women and ensure their equality. Feminism has reduced the gap between gender inequality and the level of harassment. The rights such as voting and women pursuing their careers have been granted to many parts of the world; women are now considered humans.
References
Atwood, M. (2006). The Handmaid's Tale (Vol. 301). Everyman's Library.
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- Meedy Rock (Autor:in), 2023, Feminism in "Handmaid’s Tale" Novel, by Margaret Atwood, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1372346
