Theme Of Manipulation In The Handmaids Tale

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Student’s Name Professor’s Name Course Date The Handmaids Tale Power and Manipulation Historically, most people in authority have been using power to benefit themselves. In most instances, influential people coerce and manipulate their subjects so that they can receive specific favors. People who are considered inferior and less powerful usually have no control over their lives as most of their actions are dictated from the top. In fact, women are the most affected individuals because they have been socially constructed as inferior beings. Most chauvinists treat women as pleasure tools. Moreover, women are treated as beings that should not enjoy any rights or privileges with men manipulating even their thoughts. In the novel The Handmaid’s tale, the theme of power and manipulation is widely manifested through the events that unfold. Control is …show more content…

From the actions of the commander, it seems that handmaids have no moral authority to question the actions of seniors. Offred is bewildered such that she does not understand the intentions of the commander. She doubts the aims of the commander after they have their first date and she thinks that he has no apparent plans though she cannot question. “A flash of bared teeth, what in hell does he think he is doing? Nobody else has seen him. I hope. Was he invading? Was he in my room?” (Atwood 49). From Offred’s words you can tell that she is perplexed and she does not comprehend what the commander really wants from her. The commander uses his power to intimidate Offred in the initial stages of their affair. The commander uses words that instigate fear towards the handmaid (49). The actions that unveil at this stage express how power is misused by those who hold state positions to gain favors. Handmaids and commanders are not supposed to meet, but the commandeer uses his abilities to objectify them so that they cannot question their

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