What Is The Societal Roles In The Handmaid's Tale?

The psychological phenomenon known as the Bystander Effect occurs when “the presence of others discourages an individual from intervening in an emergency situation” (“Bystander Effect.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers). The Handmaid’s Tale written by Margaret Atwood is a brilliant novel that discusses the future society of the Republic of Gilead, where Handmaids have been designated to married couples who were having troubles reproducing due to fertility issues. In Gilead, the women are dehumanized and only needed for reproduction. The men of this society have a sense of guilt, but do not act upon it. The Republic of Gilead has caused a tension between the two genders, causing white male privilege. Societal roles have a negative impact

While the white males hold privilege, it is up to the females to try to survive with little privilege or rights. When thinking Moira could cause change, Offred quickly shut her down and claimed, “Men were not just going to go away” (Atwood 215). In order to effect change, Moira would have to consider the men that could stop her. This was their place and not just anyone could stop them. When looking back on her life with Luke, Offred believes she has become his property, “We are not each other’s anymore. Instead, I am his” (Atwood 229). Once losing her job Offred starts to understand that she belongs to her husband. She has become a male property, creating a tension between a husband and wife. At a public event, Commander Fred presents information about man’s nature, “Nature demands variety, for men” (Atwood 298). Fred believes that nature is all for men and does everything to benefit them, even what a woman wears. Talking about women’s clothing, he looks at it to affect men more than a woman. Therefore, a tension between genders will only cause a rebellion, but it is yet to be seen in the Handmaid’s Tale. Ultimately, the tension has caused no one to cause change, even if they hold the