Power in the Republic of Gilead
After reading through the few first chapters of Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" one could speculate that all men have extensive power. The fact is that they have more rights, liberties and privileges than women in this society. As an example, men were allowed to read. Literature consumption by women was considered to be a dangerous activity that could be responsible for a collapse of the nation's political structure. According to one of the Gilead's leaders, men's "big mistake was teaching [women] to read." (Handmaid's Tale, p389.) Furthermore, men seem to possess more control and authority. Only men can be Guardians, soldiers, doctors, etc. With one particular exception, ownership of weapons (pistols, automatic and melee) belonged only to males. Women that lived on the region of the Gilead domain were divided into groups. Handmaids were vital to the nation, because they were fertile. With birthrate declination these women, dressed in red, were essential and priceless. However, this fact only imposed more restrictions upon them. Women, and men for that matter, who were unable to procreate were exiled to "the Colonies" where they would meet their demis
The guardians are forbidden to converse with any women, especially with the handmaids. This is an organization, a secret police of Gilead. It would seem that these men were the only individuals that enjoyed the new world order. " and his very presence there "He is violating custom. None of these two parties have total freedom or absolute power. Offred, the main character in the novel, contemplates the situation of the Commander herself. Why else would he risk his status, or life perhaps, by spending intellectually intimate evening-time with Offred? As we can see, there are rules that control both men and women. He hates it as much as Offred and Serena Joy do. There are specific areas in the Commander's mansion where he "isn't supposed to be.
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Acceptance Essays
