Handmaid’s Tale critics Flashcards
Gabi Reigh
“only in her imagination that she can escape the restrictions of the dystopian world of Gilead”
Gabi Reigh
“the novel ends with a male voice questioning the validity of the female perspective can be read in different ways”
Lehmann-Haupt
“it holds out the possibility of redemption”
Lehmann-Haupt
“a taut thriller, a psychological study”
Kirkus
“a feminist vision of apocalypse
Gray
“transcends tense and time”
O’Duffy
“vague, symbolic emotions cloak some of the truth of what goes on in Gilead”
Roberts
“patriarchal theocratic chains that bind Offred to her submissive role”
Roberts
“eschews opportunities for courageous sedition…to enjoy the lesser subversion of illicit games of scrabble”
Dopp
“the Handmaid seems to speak for all women”
Roberts
“dystopian protagonists are incapable of ‘outstanding’ heroism”
Stokwisz
“Language is highlighted as the main instrument of ideological and social control”
Myrsiades
“re-productive slaves”
Onyett
“the mantra is ostensibly a reminder to never submit”
Malak
“skill portrayal of a state that in theory claims to be founded on Christian principles”
Howell
“Atwood’s feminist concerns are plain here but so too are her concern for basic human rights”
Klarer
“women from all classes of society are denied written discourse. these measures aim at giving male leadership all the advantages”
Wisker
“there is no sisterhood, only division and disempowerment”
Beran
“Offred’s power is in language”
Daniels & Bowen
“every step, ever mouthful of food, every move is observed, reported, circumvented or approved”
Macpherson
“Fear of betrayal and inculcated self surveillance keep the handmaids from speaking out”
Goldblatt
“the work women do, conspires to maintain the subjection of their own kind”
Green
“Atwood’s vision does not offer easy solution”
Cavalcanti
“the monthly rape ‘ceremony’…synthesises institutionalised humiliation, objectification and ownership of women in Gilead”
Wagner-Lawlor
“Offred is politically complacent before the takeover”
Gottlieb
“the central character cannot be made responsible for his or her ultimate failure or defeat in the repressive system that overpowers individuals”
