Class Flashcards
Intersectionality can be defined as:
how certain aspects of who you are increase your access to good things or exposure to bad.
Who defined intersectionality?
Kimberle Crenshaw
What other theory links to THT?
Marxism
The proletariat
Working class
Bourgeoise
control labour of working class
What does THT through the lens of Marxism say?
‘Handmaids stand as a symbol of the proletariat subjugated by the bourgeoise to the point of slavery’
Commander quote which highlights he’s the most powerful
‘Commander is the head of the household’ ch14
Commander quote which shows he still has privileges
‘Still able to get coffee’ Ch2
‘Able to qualify for a wife or even a handmaid’ Ch34
Angels are high ranked men.
Guardians presented with some freedom
‘Lives here in the household’ Ch4
Guardians presented as being low status
‘He hasn’t been issued with a woman’ Ch4
‘Childless or older woman who were not married’
Lack of respect upon discussing aunts as they are unable to do a woman’s main function
‘Allowed to read and write’
Aunts have some status due to enforcing Gilead’s rules, rewarded
Wives presented as having great power and influence
‘The transgressions of women in the household are under the jurisdiction of the wives’ Ch26
Wives presented as having privileges
‘Ride in cars, drink tea, coffee, wine’ Ch20
‘Position of honour’ Ch3
Enforce opression onto Handmaids by labelling them this as they are ensuring survival of human race however abused.
‘Reclassification as unwoman’ Ch23
Handmaids have no freedom and are constantly under threat
Unwoman as the lowest rank in Gilead
‘Work at toxic dumps’ Ch38
Unwoman seen as inhumanly
Compared to ‘garbage’ Ch33
‘Some day when times improve no one will have to be an econwife’ Ch8
Econwives regarded as low status.
Martha’s presented as having freedoms
‘Baking, cooking, socialising’ Ch2
‘Wear makeup, drink alcohol, engage in lesbian relationships and relationships with men’
Presents Jezebels as status symbols with freedom.
‘Eventually sent to colonies’
Presents jezebels being discarded from society eventually as they are woman forced to be sex workers.
Gilead as a white supremist place which justifies slavery
‘resettlement of COH’ Ch14
