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Handmed's Taile nd Stritcar Nemed Desiyah ('in Modern Literature…

- - - - In Jezebels, whereby Offred’s narrative recounts “it occurs to me that he is showing me off” we see that perhaps there is an element of sinister selfishness within the character of the Commander
        
        This idea is further supported whereby the Commanders explains that the club is “only for officers…it stimulates trade… you can overhear things too…”, the effect of the listing works to fully emphasise to the reader the extensive benefits for the Commander, and men in general. In this way Atwood is also able to make a feminist comment on the way in which men utilise patriarchal elements in society to abuse their power, and repress the significance of women’s experiences
    - - prime example being her persuading Offred to get pregnant. She makes it seem as though it is within Offred’s best interests to comply but really it is to enhance her status in society etc.
    - - May be seen as intent to help her own position, but the presentation of her risk taken to knock out the ‘rapist’ and her subsequent death shows how she was working towards the bigger cause
  - - - Stella, like the Commander, is seen as indulging in her carnal desires when she describes her “brutal desire” towards Stanley. She returns to Stanley after he is volatile and beats her, and disregards Blanche’s animalistic depictions of Stanley for the very reason that he provides her with the sexual gratification and relationship she wants
        
        New Orleans, where Stella and Stanley’s flat is set, was especially known for its transgressive attributes such as “the spirit of life”, blurring of barriers and sexual expressionism. In this way, Stella takes advantage of this new pleasure seeking society and acts very selfishly in doing so
        
        As the play progresses, it can be seen that Stella maintains this complacency towards Stanley’s behaviour despite the impacts it has on her own sister, Blanche
    - - He enhances his ‘brutish’ nature and acts ‘animalistic’ without regard for the happiness or wellbeing of others.
        
        He acts nice to Blanche supposedly for Stella’s sake, but through stage directions we learn this is pretence- and ultimately through the progression of the play we see how he utilises this in order to be able to annihilate the character of Blanche completely.
- - - - symbolism of the 'scarlet satin robe' vs 'daintily dressed in a white suit with a fluffy bodice' the and 'the soiled and crumpled white satin evening gown', the illusion has been tarnished and spoiled. symbolism of her standing away from the light.' blanche is bathing' trying to wash off impurity
  - - - Salvagings, rebels die. 'on a placard hung around his neck [there is] a drawing of a human feotus, doctors carrying out abortions, inhibitng fertility, salvage means to save, ironic, as if the deaths of the 'rebels' is purifying/purging society.
      - narraotrs mother sent to the colonies, where you die from the relentless radiation. 'the toxic dumps and the radiation spills.. they figure you've got three years maximum.. until your nose falls of and your skin falls away'
      - Moira works at Jezebel's, even though she escaped the regime, she is still emotionally and sexually imprisoned.'the foods not bad and there's drink and drugs, if you want it, and we only work nights'...'what i hear in her voice is indifference, a lack of volition'
- - - - men have access to the past, books, magazines, jezebel's
- - - - The vulgarity of the word “bulging” reflects the idea that the doctor can simply lift the sheet to break the legal and moral boundaries, which may be a reflection of the corrupted society as a whole; the man’s vast power is repeatedly able to manipulate the system to his own advantage
  - - - various dystopian elements creates an undoubtable sense of dissatisfaction, consequently breeding hostility. The system generates envy and bitterness between women, keeping them divides and therefore powerless
        
        This perhaps is a key comment Atwood makes about the importance of authority within a society, and the significance of the ability of those in power to take advantage- physically, sexually and psychologically. The regime is undoubtedly in the favour of the men, like the guardians who “are able to gain enough power and light to be old enough, [to be] allotted a handmaid of their own”. Through this idea it is clear that the paramount issue within this book as a whole is the treatment of women in general...
  - - - freedom to and freedom from...
      - it is highlighted that a woman’s new role in society does not allow room for a sense of identity. Physically and mentally restricted, the handmaids are scarcely allowed freedom of independent thought
        
        Their womanhood is reduced to a service, their bodies are concealed by their uniform, and their rights and choices do not exist.
        
        it highlights a message of great importance as historically, women in the United States have fought philosophical and political battles to achieve "freedom to
        
        To conclude, although the importance of sexual violence against women is unequivocal, this issue can be viewed in a broader context for Atwood who is concerned with the struggle and injustices all women face.
- - - - blanches attempt to suppress her id, symbolism of the red vs white, leads to her approaching the boy