The Handmaid's Tale Feminist Analysis
During “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin, women were viewed as the property of their husbands and possessed very little influence in society; responsible for keeping their house in prime condition, doting over their children, and being the perfect well-behaved housewives. In the time period in which the book was written; the end of the 19th century, the upper-class women were expected to be unemployed and were not allowed to vote; if they were to go outside of societal norms they were looked at with disdain. The novel gave a very accurate account of a woman’s role in society and the burdens they faced because of the overwhelming pressure of their peers. In “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, women were the property of society; forced to
reproduce and follow the inhuman laws of their government; the Republic of Gilead. Unlike “The Awakening”, the novel took place in the future and had resulted from ‘too much’ choice in regards to childbirth. “The Handmaid’s Tale” was published in the 1980s; during the Second Wave of Feminism. The feminist movement was purposed with achieving gender equality- both in opportunities and overall image. “The Awakening” had provided a basis for women rights to stem off from; in the dystopian society of “The Handmaid’s Tale”, it had shown a progression of women's equality and then a sharp decline that resulted in women's enslavement. While Kate Chopin was very enthusiastic and supportive of more equality amongst genders, Margaret Atwood although an active supporter of the Second Wave, approached the more cautious side of feminism and what the outcome could be in the future. Kate Chopin emphasized the control of society and the restrictions women endured; she heavily encouraged women to take action and make their own decisions. “There was something in her attitude, in her whole appearance when she leaned her head against the high-backed chair and spread her arms, which suggested the regal woman, the one who rules, who looks on, who stands alone.” (Chopin 231 and 232). The rewards of individuality are very abundant and a few decades after this was written, women were slowly becoming more accepted and respected; even to the point of earning the right to vote. But as much as there were benefits, there were consequences such as alienation; freedom always came at a high price.
reproduce and follow the inhuman laws of their government; the Republic of Gilead. Unlike “The Awakening”, the novel took place in the future and had resulted from ‘too much’ choice in regards to childbirth. “The Handmaid’s Tale” was published in the 1980s; during the Second Wave of Feminism. The feminist movement was purposed with achieving gender equality- both in opportunities and overall image. “The Awakening” had provided a basis for women rights to stem off from; in the dystopian society of “The Handmaid’s Tale”, it had shown a progression of women's equality and then a sharp decline that resulted in women's enslavement. While Kate Chopin was very enthusiastic and supportive of more equality amongst genders, Margaret Atwood although an active supporter of the Second Wave, approached the more cautious side of feminism and what the outcome could be in the future. Kate Chopin emphasized the control of society and the restrictions women endured; she heavily encouraged women to take action and make their own decisions. “There was something in her attitude, in her whole appearance when she leaned her head against the high-backed chair and spread her arms, which suggested the regal woman, the one who rules, who looks on, who stands alone.” (Chopin 231 and 232). The rewards of individuality are very abundant and a few decades after this was written, women were slowly becoming more accepted and respected; even to the point of earning the right to vote. But as much as there were benefits, there were consequences such as alienation; freedom always came at a high price.