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The Handmaid's Tale, 2004.
This paper discusses the dystopian nature of Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale."
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 69.95
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Abstract
The paper explains the dystopian nature of Margaret Atwood's novel, "The Handmaid's Tale." The paper discusses the protagonist and title character from her perspective. The paper also compares the resistance movement of the novel to Orwell.
From the Paper
"The protagonist and title character of Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" says that what she wants most is to know and to know whatever there is to know what's going on. Offred, a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead where there is often no balm, is immersed in a dystopian universe that Lois Feuer sees as very similar from and yet unique with respect to George Orwell's world."
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"A Known World" and "A Handmaid's Tale", 2005.
A comparative analysis of the names and titles used in the two novels, "A Known World" by Edward P. Jones and "A Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood.
2,302 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 104.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the novels "A Known World" by Edward P. Jones and "A Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood and in particular, focuses on how both authors focus on the theme of names. It analyzes the way names are used to identify and signify their characters throughout the novel by use of false names, real names, new names, last names and titles.
From the Paper
"Atwood, however, does not name the main character of The Handmaid's Tale until page 108, when the main character, Offred, states, "My name isn't Offred, I have another name, which nobody uses now because it's forbidden." Offred is an important character because without her, there would be no one to tell the story, but Offred does not exist to the reader as a complete person until her name, or her not-real-name, is mentioned. (Previously she seemed like an omniscient first person narrator.) Her real name is not mentioned because that would give her an identity as a person; her oppressors want her and all other women in the handmaiden sector just to be vessels for babies."
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Survival in Words: Why Offred Survives in "A Handmaid's Tale", 2005.
A new critical reading of Margaret Atwood's "Handmaid's Tale". An exploration of what gives society the power to assimilate and control a people.
2,514 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 111.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the Gileadean society assimilates and controls its inhabitants by controlling language in the novel by Canadian author, Margaret Atwood. This paper uses a New Critical theory to examine the text of "A Handmaid's Tale" to explore what makes Gilead so effective, and why Offred is able to survive and escape when others, who seem to be stronger, cannot.
From the Paper
"Another division of communication is the auditory or spoken. The Republic of Gilead, like any other changing society, developed its own specific vocabulary that works effectively to assimilate a people into the culture. The vocabulary ranges from the names of certain events like Prayvaganzas, which are mass weddings, to Salvagings, which are executions, or particutions, which are also executions, but ones in which the Handmaids are able to participate. The vocabulary extends to the names given to the class distinctions within the society: Marthas, Handmaids, Commanders, Guardians, Angels, Aunts and Eyes."
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"The Handmaid's Tale", 2007.
An analysis of the plight of women, as seen through Margaret Atwood's novel "The Handmaid's Tale".
1,261 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Margaret Atwood's novel "The Handmaid's Tale". The paper specifically discusses the novel's portrayal and theme of the right's of women. It describes scenes from the novel and discusses use of language and plot, to illustrate the plight of the women that it portrays. The paper suggests that the novel reveals scenarios chillingly similar to contemporary life.
From the Paper
"Margaret Atwood's novel The Handmaid's Tale reveals a remarkably realistic dystopia in which sexism reaches a deplorable height. Narrator Offred recalls the past as days of anarchy and tension, in which women's roles were not ideal but still substantially better than life in Gilead. The fall of the United States and the rise of Gilead signify a major turning point for women in which they become nothing more than machines for bearing children and in which their rights and freedoms are totally curtailed. After the close of Offred's narrative, historians in Nunavit discuss the handmaid's tale with scholastic intensity, revealing a potentially hope-filled future. Women's rights and freedoms change only little throughout Atwood's novel but reach a definite down point during the ascension of Gilead."
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"1984" and "The Handmaid's Tale", 2005.
A comparative analysis of the authority figures in George Orwell's "1984" and Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaids Tale".
1,521 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 73.95
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Abstract
This essay compares and contrasts the different types of authority figures within George Orwell's "1984" and Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaids Tale". It discusses how the protagonists of both novels live in societies in which repressive totalitarian regimes exist and how both regimes have clear figureheads in which ultimate authority resides. In particular, the paper examines that relationships between the Commander and Offred and Winston and O'Brien.
From the Paper
"The protagonists of both novels live in societies in which repressive totalitarian regimes exist. Both regimes have clear figureheads in which ultimate authority resides. Within the 'Handmaid's Tale' authority resides within the aptly named 'Commanders'. It is with one of these Commanders's that our protagonist who we know as Offred, a pseudo name deriving from Fred her Commanders name resides. As well as her Commander Offred is also subject to the control of other women within the novel. The Commander's wife known as Serena Joy is an authority figure within the household and the Aunts who controlled the re-education within the Red Centres also dominate the remainder of Offred's life. Within '1984' ultimate authority lies with Big Brother and the government members of the Inner Party, a small minority of the population. Winston '1984's' protagonist becomes involved with one of these Inner Party members known as O'Brien. This is the only authority figure that is individualised throughout '1984'. It is however the relationship between the Commander and Offred and Winston and O'Brien which denote the most interesting comparisons and contrasts. This is due to the involvement each authority figures play in the protagonists lives, as through them the protagonists learn, as does the reader about all aspects of the respective regimes."
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Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale", 2008.
A look at how Margaret Atwood serves as a social critic in her novel "The Handmaid's Tale."
1,939 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 89.95
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Abstract
The paper describes how Margaret Atwood in "The Handmaid's Tale" suggests some of the failures in contemporary society by projecting these shortcomings into a future society. The paper explores Atwood's concerns about the nature of the family, the danger of pollution and the fear of women that the gains they have made will be taken away. The paper concludes that the novel highlights how much more has to be done to create the truly egalitarian society most people want.
From the Paper
"Offred experiences not only the demands placed upon her to be a surrogate mother but also many other indignities as her society imposes its code upon her, forcing her to dress and behave in a certain way or be punished. Atwood develops a vision of the place of women in society today as well as in this future, using an extreme situation to comment on the secondary position women occupy in Western society today. The story is set in a future United States called Gilead. This new version of the U.S. came into being after the President was assassinated and the Constitution suspended, after which an authoritarian regime developed based on a return to traditional values and fundamentalist Christianity. Gilead has what amounts to a state religion and ruthlessly eliminates all who would take a different point of view."
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Dreams and Memories in "Nineteen Eighty Four" and "The Handmaids Tale", 2005.
An analysis of the use and significance of dreams and memories in "Nineteen Eighty Four" by George Orwell and "The Handmaids Tale" by Margaret Atwood.
1,381 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the importance of dreams and memories in two dystopian fictions - "Nineteen Eighty Four" by George Orwell and "The Handmaids Tale" by Margaret Atwood. It explains how the use of memories and dreams is a very useful tool which both authors have used in order to reflect the society and the characters within it. The writer discusses how throughout both novels the memories appear to be more vivid and detailed than the dreams, and how this helps the reader to understand events which have occurred to the protagonist. The writer further suggests how the memories represent the past and how it can affect the future, as well as how active the character is in the present. The writer points out that dreams also help Winston and Offred to face memories which are repressed during the day; they are as significant as memories if fewer in quantity. The writer concludes that both dreams and memories allow the reader a greater insight into the minds of the protagonists.
From the Paper
"Throughout '1984' and the 'Handmaids Tale' the need to escape from everyday life is and overwhelming urge, due to the harshly restricted and regimental lives which both protagonists live. Both societies are examples of totalitarian regimes in which the present situation is very different to the one in which they grew up in. In the 'Handmaid's Tale' it appears that the period is that of present day, her memories and dreams therefore range over the period of about thirty years. Starting from the 1970's when she was a child with her mother up to the 21st century in the Red centre. In '1984' Winston's memories cover the same periods of time however the period in which the society is set is not as clear as in the 'Handmaids Tale'."
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Moira in ?The Handmaid?s Tale?, 2004.
A look at the contribution made to Margaret Atwood?s novel ?The Handmaid?s Tale? by the character of Moira.
829 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses on the important aspects of Moira?s character and her relationship with others in the ?The Handmaid?s Tale? by Margaret Atwood. It examines how the character Moira provides an almost type of sub-plot to the novel, demonstrating a variation of how other people live in the society of Gilead in order to remind the reader that the Gileadean regime stretches further than the limitations of Offred?s household. It shows how, particularly for the main protagonist, Offred, how Moira acts as hope representing to her and the other women at the Red Centre all what they would like to be, but would not dare.
From the Paper
"Whenever Moira appears in the novel her individuality and dissidence is vividly expressed, as she constantly subverts Gilead?s absolute authority. Essentially she provides resistance to the Gilead regime, directly ignoring the doctrines and constantly expressing her discord with the new society. She is unable to be terrorised into even outward conformity, and even when she is forced to become a prostitute (which would have been against her feminist ideals) she still remains the embodiment of female heroism. While the issues that Moira embodies are harrowing to the modern audience, her liberal character is something they can associate with; which serves as a literary device to make the other characters appear more unfamiliar and further alienated from a society they can recognise."
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Gileadean Society in ?The Handmaid?s Tale?, 2003.
An investigation into the presentation of society in Margaret Atwood?s ?The Handmaid?s Tale?.
1,237 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses on Atwood?s presentation of the society in the Republic of Gilead, in her novel ?The Handmaid?s Tale?. It looks at how it is essentially about one women?s struggle for survival in the Republic of Gilead and how the society which she presents to us is incredibly complex with many religious and ethical themes derived from seventeenth century American Puritanism and Old Testament principles. It attempts to analyse some of the underlying visions Atwood has created as well as how Gilead is portrayed to us and why Atwood has chosen to do this in the way that she has. Special attention is paid to the differences in position within society between genders, literary devices and narrative techniques.
From the Paper
"Margaret Atwood has successfully used a narrative technique to present Gilead?s society to us, through on women?s story of survival. The narrative is a discontinuous one, and incorporates many flashbacks to the past. Through theses time shifts we learn more about Offred?s past and how her old, democratic life was overthrown by the new regime. However, Offred?s mind isn?t fixed in the past as she carefully records her present life paying careful attention to minute details. By doing this, Atwood creates a believable character and presents the complicated way the human memory works; where fragments of the past build up to create an overall image."
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Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale", 2004.
This paper discusses, using details of the story, the women's rebellion in Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale".
2,135 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 96.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale", women find small ways to rebel against the overbearing society in which they live as a symbol of their desire to escape. The author points out that these small rebellions bring a certain feeling of power, which is essential for mental well being; the large rebellions have catastrophic ends, making the small rebellions the only way to gain any power. The paper relates that society controls many aspects of their lives, and even tries to take away the opportunity to die by removing mirrors and any other object with which the Handmaids could kill themselves ; therefore, killing oneself in this society is a rebellion in its own way..
From the Paper
"Jezebels is a secret club for Commanders and high ranking officials. The club consists of prostitutes that wear costumes from "old times," such as bunny outfits and nurse attire. The presence of this brothel conflicts with the core ideas of Gilead, that sex was too easy and the prevalence of sexual promiscuity was causing men to loose feeling in their lives. Jezebels also serves another rebellious purpose, sneaking Offred out of the house. The commander gives Offred a tight dress with feathers around the thighs and sequins covering the top, a dress very different then the "tent of a dress" she is required to wear."
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?The Handmaid?s Tale?, 2002.
Reviews Margaret Atwood?s futuristic novel "The Handmaid?s Tale".
967 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 50.95
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Abstract
"The Handmaid?s Tale" (Margaret Atwood) is told through the viewpoint of an anonymous woman living in some oppressive society of the near future as essentially a slave, whose sole function is to bear children for the underpopulated theocracy called the Republic of Gilead that was once the United States. The paper looks at the similarities between Atwood's tale and today's society, where woman are being oppressed throughout the world.
From the Paper
"Atwood shows us what the world would look like if the religious right and fanatical anti-abortionists had just a little more power than they do ? and than they did in 1986, when the power of the religious right was even greater. And against this she sets the courage and grace of her protagonist who in the end may be saved and may be lost, may be a mother and may be alone, but is always standing with her face to the light, asking simply to be recognized as herself, not as a handmaid nor even as a woman, but as an individual whose purpose in life can be determined only by herself."
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"The Handmaid's Tale", 2002.
A review of the futuristic novel "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood.
1,004 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 1 source, APA, AU$ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the literary novel "The Handmaids's Tale" by Margaret Atwood. The writer raises a number of feminist issues through the main character, a young woman known as Offred, who is forced into slavery as a handmaid, or surrogate mother, for a powerful couple that cannot have children of their own. This story is set in a future where such arrangements have become routine. The paper also looks at related issues such as reproductive rights of women in the future and abuse.
From the Paper
"The unwomen symbolize the female before becoming a woman, meaning before being assigned to her "proper" social role. These women will be surrogate mothers, and they symbolize freedom from a certain tedious work even as they symbolize being chained to their biological role. The unified names -- Ofglen and Offred -- symbolize a certain freeing of women from the names and identities of the past but also symbolize a new kind of prison, linking the women to men through their names. For the traditional wife there is only a narrowing of interests and possibilities for development. Now the woman has an occupation and is allowed no emotional life at all."
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"The Handmaid's Tale", 1999.
An analysis of the patriarchal society of Gilead and the position of women as depicted in Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale".
1,959 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper deals with women in Atwood's future dystopia showing the society of the United States as extremely patriarchal with women being depicted as physical objects of fertility, a walking uterus. It contends that the novel is not only a critique of the society but also a warning that any time women are defined according to certain stereotypes (sexual or parental) the results are equally confining and ruinous for women and society.
From the Paper
"By assassinating the president and the Congress and suspending the Constitution, a new state authority based on religious conservatism is formed. Women are dismissed from work, their money is taken away: "They've frozen them, she said. Mine too. The collective's too. Any account with an F on it instead of an M" (187). Over night the economical basis of their emancipation is destroyed. The law prohibiting ownership of property by women actually existed in the 19th century and earlier, just as many other extreme aspects of Gileadean culture (in some parts of the world a few exist even today). There are no libraries, books, or newspapers, no brothels or porno shops, no cinemas or restaurants. There is no money; everything can be bought with tokens. "
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"The Handmaid?s Tale", 2004.
An analysis of the self-destruction of Gilead in "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood.
772 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 40.95
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This paper examines how in theory, all citizens do conform to the rules and regulations of Gilead and are "true believers" in such things as "traditional values" of society. However many citizens do not follow the rules or at least try to get around them, including so-called supporters. It contends that Gilead is destined to collapse because not only do the victims and so-called supporters of Gilead's ideology try to get around or break rules that they do not like, but the rules themselves are based on an ideology that does not have a strong foundation.
From the Paper
"The ideology of the Gilead's society is based on false ideals and goes against basic human nature. They take away basic freedoms of expression and went against values that we consider important today, such as love and freedom. They did believe in and create the concept of a handmaid and sanctioned adultery and rape, such as the one between Offred and the Commander. This is shown when Offred says " I do not say making love, because this is not what he's doing" (Pg. 94) They did abolish the right for women to own property, have jobs, and be educated, and other fundamental freedoms, such as not being able to read and write. "
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"The Handmaid's Tale", 2002.
This paper discusses Margaret Arwood's "The Handmaid's Tale".
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, AU$ 51.95
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This paper discusses that the character Kate must try to cope with her oppression by trying to keep her memories alive. The author believes that this allows her to remember that she is human. The paper states that because of this, she remains capable of love.
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The City of ?The Handmaid?s Tale?, 2002.
This paper discusses the city of Gilead, the imaginary dystopia depicted in Margaret Atwood?s "The Handmaid?s Tale".
2,313 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 104.95
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Abstract
The writer explores this created city, giving examples from the text as to the ways in which it was created and how it is governed. The paper compares this nightmarish world with a communist society, one in which there was perhaps a positive beginning but which has blossomed into something dangerous and stifling. The writer brings in feminist commentary to discuss the role of women within this society.
From the Paper
"Gilead?s rigid hierarchy with its clear delineation of rules, roles and functions allows the leaders to exert complete control over the lives of their subjects. Most human societies are organized with hierarchies, usually by age and sex. Older people dominate over younger people while men dominate over women (Van den Berghe, 1974, p. 782). Therefore, in most societies, there is a constant struggle within the communities, in the forms of class conflicts, generational and sex tensions, along with military coups (Van den Berghe, 1974, p. 785)."
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