Gender

Question 1

What was Atwood’s intention through Gender?

Answer 1

She wanted to draw attention to the inequalities faced by women because of their gender, as well as to the oppressions of other marginalised groups.
At the time it was being written, women were gaining more civil rights and this progress was met with opposition from religious conservative groups and Atwood feared a world like Gilead was possible.

Question 2

Timeline of Gender Theory in the United States

Answer 2

First Wave Feminism - 1848-1920
Second Wave Feminism - 1960-1980
Third Wave Feminism - 1990-2010
Fourth Wave Feminism - 2012-present

Question 3

Gender roles in Gilead

Answer 3

Roles of men and women are shaped around Biblical ideas of gender.
High class men are assigned to become Commanders and are able to participate politically, socially and economically in Gilead.
The women are assigned to more domestic and subservient roles which is reminiscent of gender roles in the 1940’s and 1950’s in the US.

Question 4

Masculinity in the Commander

Answer 4

The Commander symbolises masculine ideals, white, straight, Christian, able-bodied and male.
Atwood intentionally made the Commander this way to reflect American ideals of masculinity.
One way he maintains control is through sexism - superiority through gender.

Question 5

Luke and Offred’s relationship

Answer 5

Instead of supporting Offred, he tells her to prioritise her family, emphasising the misogynistic idea that women shouldn’t protest, vote or work.
By having their relationship shift from relatively egalitarian to unequal, Atwood means to convey that even the most progressive men can still hold and perpetuate patriarchal ideas when it benefits them.

Question 6

Quote about Nick being equal and low status - Chapter 4

Answer 6

‘Low status: he hasn’t been issued a woman, not even one.’
Nick’s low status is not meant to symbolise an ideal, like the Commander, nor is h meant to be a husband like Luke. Instead he is meant to symbolise an equal.

Question 7

Handmaids are not viewed as people - Chapter 23

Answer 7

‘We are a two-legged women, that’s all: sacred vessels, ambulatory chalices’
This quote is an example of synecdoche, where a part of something is meant to represent the whole.
In this case the womb is meant to represent the whole woman.