Paper Summary:

This paper examines how "The Handmaid's Tale" is Margaret Atwood's critical analysis of fundamentalist religious movements, particularly their effect on the subjugation of women in society. The paper looks at how this dystopian tale is a warning of what is to come when women's rights are taken for granted and points out that, although the book is based in the near future, many of the events in the story have occurred in human history, making the book even more realistic. The paper also discusses how the book's Gilan Republic is an example of these regimes as it is a totalitarian, patriarchal, religious society that subjugates women through the use of religious doctrine, government, and suppression of female sexuality.

From the Paper:

"Religious fundamentalism runs rampant in the mono-theocratic society of Gilean, and all other religions are banned except for the state religion which happens to be Christianity. 'Non-Believers' of the state religion are either encouraged to leave or convert, facing persecution and death if they refuse; Unfortunately, women face the brunt of this persecution and we are given an example with the Catholic Nuns. While the Catholic priests are encouraged to convert or face deportation to the colonies, they can still maintain their position in society as priests, albeit Christian Priests; however, the Catholic nuns must convert and agree to become handmaidens or face the colonies which is much worse than just converting since the nuns would have to break their vows of celibacy. Throughout history, religious conservatives have always tried to suppress female sexuality since they believe it to be a corrupting influence and that by subjugating women, they are preventing the downfall of society through immorality. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Michelle Zimbalist Rosaldo and Louise Lamphere, Woman, Culture and Society (California: Stanford University Press, 1983) [1974], 1-280

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