Themes Flashcards
How is the theme of ‘identity’ portrayed
There’s is a strong theme of a lack of identity given to the characters involved within the handmaids tale - specifically the handmaids themselves
. The handmaids are treated as more so a unit made solely to live up to their role of baring children - rather than having individual identity and agency
How is ‘oppression’ portrayed ?
in the form of patriarchal suppression
- whilst the men remain in power
- In Gilead the females are subjected to harsh forms of punishment if they do not conform to their ‘role’
Who are the oppressed ?
The handmaids are the most prominent group that are oppressed
- forced to live under the totalitarian rule of Gilead - they harbour no agency nor identity
. It can be argued that the handmaids
What makes them oppressed
. The handmaids lack of identity
. Handmaids lack of agency
. handmaids lack of freedom
. the forced role of child bearing
How is ‘freedom’ portrayed ?
Handmaids tale presents freedom to be within the basis of two forms of:
.Freedom to
.Freedom from
Gilead seemingly gives the handmaids these two types of freedom
What is ‘freedom to’
What is ‘freedom from’
How is ‘rebellion’ portrayed ?
How is ‘power’ portrayed ?
How is ‘control’ potrayed ?
How is ‘religion’ potrayed ?
As a means of control
The ‘aunts’ use religion to indoctrinate the ‘handmaids’ into a false sense of responsibility - baring children for the greater good
How is ‘fertility’ potrayed ?
How is ‘Gender’ potrayed ?
Atwood portrays Gender to be arbitrary within Handmaids tale
. Gender seemingly doesn’t matter in comparison to the role you have in live
- if you are a man - rule and enforce
- if you are female - bare children
How is ‘isolation’ potrayed ?
As a dominant feature of Handmaids tale
.Gilead as a location is isolated from the rest of the world - norms and values are drastically different within Gilead in comparison to the wider world.
. Both the handmaids and the reader are put into a perspective of imagining there is nothing but Gilead
. A sense of isolation is evident especially when discussing the Handmaids freedom - specifically during their walks where they are fenced in
How is ‘heirachry’ portrayed ?
