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AS and A Level: The Handmaid's Tale

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Marked by Teachers essays 2

How Far is The Handmaids Tale a Dystopian Text, Specifically at the Regime of Gilead and its Successes and Flaws?

Despite being obviously morally wrong (for instance, Handmaids are practically raped weekly in order to bear a child for their 'commander', and that only heterosexual white people are allowed in the regime) many of the people in Gilead do not rebel. This is because they are scared of what might happen if they do. There are 'eyes' dotted all over the country who will have them executed if they rebel. Offred is even scared of reading the 'FAITH.' cushion in her bedroom, as 'It's the only thing they've given me to read.'
- Word count: 2174
Examine how Atwood presents Offred's sense of self in "The Handmaid's Tale"

The air of desirability Atwood gives these things reflects how Offred desires them. However, this does not mean that Offred needs these things to regain her sense of self; Atwood simply uses them as symbols of Offred's true identity which she attributes to herself and her life before the regime. In contrast, Atwood uses negative language to describe the red dress Offred now wears. The phrases, "a nondescript woman in red"7 and, "the colour of blood, which defines us"8 hint at Offred's contempt towards her red dress. This shows how Offred recognises that her obligatory red dress is not a reflection of her personality (as clothing should be)
- Word count: 2104

Conclusion analysis

Good conclusions usually refer back to the question or title and address it directly - for example by using key words from the title.
How well do you think these conclusions address the title or question? Answering these questions should help you find out.

Do they use key words from the title or question?

Do they answer the question directly?

Can you work out the question or title just by reading the conclusion?

Compare and contrast how far the authors of The handmaids Tale and Stepford Wives draw on the issues of the society in which they are writing to create a disturbing vision of the future.

"Karl Marx stated that "History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce". This can be seen in both Atwood and Levin's interpretation of society. They saw the issue of sexism in the 50's and predicted during the 70's and 80's of horrific sexist regimes. They warned us that sexism is still rife and although it is easy to say that women today hold rights, we can still question whether women have any power. Both writers have taken issues of society to their logical conclusion to create a realistic vision of the future, yet have simply highlighted that this realistic image is horrific and disturbing. Words 2, 303 1 Margaret Atwood interview"

AS and A Level: The Handmaid's Tale

How Far is The Handmaids Tale a Dystopian Text, Specifically at the Regime of Gilead and its Successes and Flaws?

Examine how Atwood presents Offred's sense of self in "The Handmaid's Tale"

Conclusion analysis

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