The Handmaid's Tale By Margaret Atwood

Inferiority and superiority complexes between individuals exemplify the imbalance of power and is shown throughout the novel, Handmaid’s Tale, written by Margaret Atwood. “This is supposed to signify that we are one flesh, one being. What it really means is that she is in control, of the process and thus of the product” (Atwood 94). Throughout the ceremony, the process alone is supposed to demonstrate that both the wife and the handmaid are equal and one. That gives them a sense of equality and there is some sense of a balance between the women. However, the reality of it shows that the wives are far more superior and powerful than the handmaid herself. “There’s no longer any hand lotion or face cream, not for us. Such things are considered vanities.

With that said, because they are inferior to the rich and powerful individuals, some freedoms are taken away such as beauty products. The wives do not want to associate with the handmaid’s and they are definitely not allowed to look attractive. This creates this sense of inferiority complexes towards the wives and their husbands because the men can do whatever they want. The wives may be fearful that their husbands will not be loyal because women can manipulate them using sex. So that freedom is taken away from the Handmaid’s and they are only important for the insides of their bodies and they shouldn’t have to worry about what they look like on the outside because that doesn’t matter. “Is it so bad, for him, that he’d take the risk of coming to my room at night?” (Atwood 99). The women in this society aren’t the only ones with little to no rights or freedoms. Here, Offred is referring to Nick, who works for the Commander as well. The idea of inferiority and superiority plays a role because he may not be treated with respect and he might not have as many rights and therefore he sneaks into her room because his life may be bad