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Argumentative Essay 'The Handmaid's Tale'

833 Words4 Pages

Jasmine Gonzalez
Garnham
English 12B-2
24 March 2023 Argumentative essay The Handmaid's Tale, a literary masterpiece by Margaret Atwood, has made significant progress in contemporary literature. This is a powerful piece of literature that raises the plight of women as an issue worthy of debate. As the world progresses, students should be exposed to themes that reflect current social issues, and this is precisely what the Handmaid's Tale offers. The Handmaid's Tale is needed for students to understand or learn more about women's mistreatment and gender equality.

It is a story of how religious extremism and social conditioning have robbed women of their rights and reduced them …show more content…

The book explicitly illustrates how she and other handmaids are subjected to psychological, sexual, and physical abuse in their daily lives. For instance, Offred talks about the fact that armed guards called Eyes watch her every move, and that the commander of the household intrudes on her personal space, sometimes even having sex without her willing consent. By teaching The Handmaid's Tale in schools, we can help young people to identify these types of abuses and prevent them before they take root. The novel contains several important themes that are relevant to today's society, such as the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, as well as the significance of protection. The novel also illuminates how the ruling class uses religion as a tool to suppress women. They use the guise of religious piety to justify the marginalization and oppression of women. For example, they argue that a woman's place is in the home, caring for children and that women are not as intelligent and moral as men. This is a harmful and dangerous ideology that seeks to perpetuate systemic abuse of women in society. Moreover, the novel delves into the psychological trauma that women undergo when they are subjected to such abuse. Offred's narrative acutely illustrates how women are made to feel inferior and helpless by the regime, and how they are unable to resist the systemic abuse. They endure unimaginable trauma and pain to survive, with no end in sight. Their lives are a never-ending cycle of fear and pain, with no hope of redemption. The Handmaid's Tale is a powerful examination of the abuse of women, and it is a story that should be read and discussed by all. It is an unapologetic critique of a patriarchal society that seeks to subjugate women and deprive them of their rights. The novel shows

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cultural constructs of femininity, identity, and the extent of government control. The story explores the affects social and political trends have on society. The Handmaid’s Tale evaluates gender roles and the subjugation of women. Atwood’s use of aphorisms, symbolism, and allusions urges readers to examine the juxtaposition of cruelty and vulnerability in femininity.

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