Handmaid's Tale Quotes

Humans are easily impressionable. They are susceptible to the physical and psychological pressures of society. One of the most common elements of encumbrance in today’s world is peer pressure. Whether it is within children, teens, or adults, oppression is everywhere. In the novel, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, oppression of groups in society is more prevalent than any other element of a dystopian government. In the Republic of Gilead, the protagonist Offred is a Handmaid who serves her Commander and his wife by bearing children for the family. Her freedoms are completely restricted, as well as the Commander who presides over the family. There are specific sets of rules for everyone and every move is watched by the ever present

All marriages in Gilead are arranged by the wives and men do not have any say in who they may date, love, or marry. Many men who were married before the formation of Gilead had their families and wives broken up by the state. In the following quote, Offred makes reference to the arranged marriages that men are obliged to participate in. “The fact is that I’m his mistress. Men at the top have always had mistresses, why should things be any different now? The arrangements aren’t quite the same, granted” (Atwood 163). This quote demonstrates the “arrangements” made for the men and how they must be followed although some may bend the rules. For example, Offred and her Commander’s secret love affair. Offred makes reference to this through stating that some men have “mistresses” and how she takes pride in the fact that she is “his mistress.” Additionally, the oppressiveness of Gilead’s government is also represented through the prevention of marriage expressed through the character Nick. As quoted by Offred, “He lives here, in the household, over the garage. Low status: he hasn’t been issued a woman, not even one. He doesn’t rate: some defect, lack of connections. But he acts as if he doesn’t know this, or care...he’s not servile enough” (Atwood 18). This quote sheds light on the marriage rules that men are required to follow. Nick is not allowed to have a woman because he has “some defect” or “lack of connections” and essentially is not good enough to have a wife. The subjection that Nick undergoes is represented through his inability to acquire a wife. This is how the strict rules of government and marriage oppresses men in a dystopian