Comparing The Grifters And The Handmaiden's Tale

The Grifters by Jim Thompson and The Handmaiden’s Tale by Margaret Atwood are two novels that delve into the darker sides of society and human nature. Through the use of literary elements such as character development, plot, symbolism, setting, point of view, and so on. The authors create very vivid worlds that feel as if they are happening right in front of one’s own eyes. Both stories are very compelling while maintaining an unsettling approach.

One of the most striking similarities between both novels is the very gaudy depiction of the corrupted nature of society. In The Grifters, Thompson portrays a world where everyone is out for themselves, for most morality is a luxury that very few are able to afford. The characters are all “grifters”,

In The Grifters, Thompson uses symbols such as money, alcohol, and sex to explore the character’s motivations and desires. This really allows readers to be given an opportunity into the more complex psyche and thought patterns of the characters. These symbols represent the things that characters are willing to do anything to obtain, as they serve as a reminder of the corrupt nature in their environment they exist in. While in contrast, The Handmaiden’s Tale, is filled with religious symbolism. The government in this novel is a true theocracy, and religious imagery is used to justify the oppression of women. The color red is a sign of fertility and youthfulness in women. While also holding the Puritan faith as a reminder of how Atwood took inspiration from the Salem Witch Trials. Innocent women and some men faced the justified systematic abuse simply because of blind faith to a machine, people were brainwashed into believing where evil lies back then much how Atwood’s portrayal makes the authoritative power paint women as sinful temptations, and those who don’t obey those in power who claim to be from “God”, are

The Grifters uses multiple points of view to tell its story, with each character providing their own perspective on the events that unfold. This allows the reader to see the story from different angles and adds complexity to the narrative. Thompson makes use of third person omniscient. The omniscient perspective allows the reader to gain insight into the internal motivations of the grifters. Roy and Lilly, as well as the people they are trying to con. The narrator’s voice is also detached and objective, also giving the reader the ability to observe the characters’ actions without getting emotionally attached. While in The Handmaiden’s Tale is narrated through first person point of view through the eyes of Offred, a handmaid in the dystopian society of Gilead. This perspective limits the reader’s view to Offred’s experiences and perceptions, creating a sense of claustrophobia and isolation. The reader is only privy to Offred and what she knows and feels, making it difficult to fully understand her outside world with her own experiences. Despite these differences, both novels use point of view to create a sense of distrust and uncertainty. In Thompson’s work, the narrator’s detachment from the characters adds to the feeling of those around them trying to deceive them. The reader is left wondering who is trustworthy or not. While Atwood’s use of limited perspective on Offred makes it difficult to discern what is truly