The Handmaids Tale Feminism Essay - 1465 Words

Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, is undoubtedly a staple piece when considering feminism in literature. While most works might take a firm stand on one side or the other when considering feminism, The Handmaid’s Tale approaches the subject differently; instead of establishing an ironclad position either supporting or condemning feminist ideals, Atwood’s novel showcases both ends of a spectrum concerning the advantages and disadvantages of such a movement in a democratic-turned-totalitarian world. It is this quality of writing that sets this novel apart from others. While a majority of readers might assume or infer that The Handmaid’s Tale is solely supporting or denouncing feminism, in actuality, this literary work†¦show more content†¦One of the most important aspects of the novel is that of the women characters within and their interactions with one another. Their interactions with each other are quite able to be interpr eted in numerous ways, however, in this aspect, they will be interpreted under the belief that they are neither feminist nor anti-feminist. There are a few examples which will be considered; Ofglen and Offred, Moira and Offred, and Serena Joy and Offred. Ofglen and Offred’s interactions at the beginning of their acquaintance are strained, in fact, Offred’s first description her her is not a shining one; â€Å"Her name is Ofglen, and that’s all I know about her. She walks demurely, heads down, red-gloved hands clasped in front, with short little steps like a trained pig’s, on its hind legs. During these walks she has never said anything that was not strictly orthodox, but then, neither have I. She may be a real believer, a handmaid in more than name. I can’t take the risk.† (Atwood). Offred and Ofglen’s relationship is an odd one. While not quite friends, neither are they enemies. In what has been described as a â€Å"second wave fem inist utopia† (Tolan), their relationship is one that has sprung out of necessity rather than enjoyment. It is not because they are both women that they have decided to find confidence in each other, as many have insisted, but because they have similar mentalities, something that is allShow MoreRelated Feminism In The Handmaids Tale Essay1588 Words   |  7 PagesFeminism In The Handmaids Tale      Ã‚  Ã‚   Feminism as we know it began in the mid 1960s as the Womens Liberation Movement. Among its chief tenants is the idea of womens empowerment, the idea that women are capable of doing and should be allowed to do anything men can do. Feminists believe that neither sex is naturally superior. They stand behind the idea that women are inherently just as strong and intelligent as the so-called stronger sex. 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