Gender Flashcards
Context
When THT was written women were gaining more civil rights.
However faced with disapproval from religious and conservative groups.
Fears of a society like Gilead.
When was the first wave?
1848-1920
Important facts of the first wave
Led by middle class white woman.
Given the right to vote except black woman.
When was the second wave?
1960-1980
Important facts of the second wave
Expanded reproductive rights
Equal pay act 1963
Roe-v-wade legalised abortion
When was the third wave?
1990-2010
Important facts of the third wave
Include all races, classes, culture
Reclaim derogatory terms
Expand discussion about violence on woman
When was the fourth wave?
2012-Present
Important facts of the fourth wave
Rejection of gender norms
Me too movement
Liberal feminism
Mainstream focus on legal and political reform to achieve equality.
Radical feminism
All races, class and sexuality’s are considered.
Male supremacy eliminated.
Who represents radical feminism?
Moira
Offred’s mother
Feminity
Division of different identities which present feminist ideals
What do handmaids represent?
Reproduction
‘Two legged wombs’ Technique
Synecdoche as womb represents the whole woman.
‘Two legged wombs’ Meaning
Implies not seen as people but as sacred vessels for reproduction.
What do wives represent?
Domesticity
‘She does not make speeches any more, she’s speechless’ Technique
Irony
‘She does not make speeches any more, she’s speechless’ Meaning
Hypocrisy as she protested for woman to have traditional roles however now is in spite of it.
‘She does not make speeches any more, she’s speechless’ Who is Atwood criticising here?
Conservative woman
What do the Martha’s represent?
Housekeeping
A quote which signifies that hierarchy pits women against eachother in Gilead
‘All envy eachother something’ Ch8
‘A drawing of a foetus’
Abortion doctors
symbolise reproductive rights in a society that has none.
‘Gender treachery’
Heteronormative gender ideals meant those not straight considered gender traitors.