Compare And Contrast American War And The Handmaid's Tale

While both Omar El Akkad's "American War" and Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" portray dystopian societies, the characters' responses to their oppressive environments reveal distinct coping mechanisms and psychological impacts, reflecting the authors' nuanced explorations of power, resistance, and survival. In “American War” we see various characters show struggles of a dystopian life after a societal collapse, while “Handmaid’s Tale” focuses on the resilience and struggles of characters in a dystopian society where there is one ruler and women are treated as objects only good for babies and sexual acts.

In "American War," Sarat Chestnut clearly displays resilience and defiance in the face of a societal collapse, while Offred in “Handmaid’s

While Serena Joy in “Handmaid's Tale” shows what conforming to society’s expectations can do to someone and the internal violence it causes. Benjamin Chestnut, Sarat's brother in "American War," overflows with the sorrow and moral uncertainty of warfare in a dystopian version of what America could be. As a soldier in the Southern troops, Benjamin confronts the brutal realities of war and the ethical compromises necessary for survival. Reflecting on his experiences, Benjamin dwells on the nature of violence and what the world has come to. As stated in Benjamin the book, "It's war, they say, everything's permitted" (El Akkad 214). Benjamin's journey from idealism to the disruption of society undermines the dehumanizing effects of war and the moral complexities of violence in a society taken over by conflict. Similarly, Serena Joy, a prominent figure in "The Handmaid's Tale," embodies the consequences of complicity and betrayal in Gilead's patriarchal regime. Once a firm advocate for traditional gender roles, Serena Joy becomes disconnected with the oppressive society she helped create. In one scene, Offred reflects on Serena's transformation in disbelief, "She doesn't make speeches anymore. She has become speechless. She stays in her home, but it doesn't seem to agree with her" (Atwood 132). Serena's drastic change and decline from an influential figure in

Albert Gaines, a former prisoner and mentor to Sarat in "The American War," embodies the struggle for justice and redemption in a world torn apart by civil strife. Despite facing discrimination and persecution as a Black man in a divided America, Albert remains committed to fighting for a better future. Reflecting on his motivations, Albert declares, "Somebody's got to do it. Somebody's got to tell the truth" (El Akkad 274). Albert's commitment to truth and justice reflects his refusal to be silenced by the injustices of his dystopian society, embodying the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. In contrast, Aunt Lydia, a key figure in "The Handmaid's Tale," represents the internalization of oppression and the betrayal of feminist ideas for personal gain. As a member of the Aunts, Lydia plays a central role in indoctrinating and controlling the Handmaids of Gilead. Despite her complicity in the subjugation of women, Lydia is overwhelmed with feelings of guilt and self-justification. Reflecting on her role in shaping Gilead's society, Lydia rationalizes her actions by saying, "We only wanted to do good. We only wanted to help" (Atwood 309). Lydia's justification of her role in Gilead's oppressive regime highlights the moral compromises individuals make in pursuit of power