Who Is The Antagonist In The Handmaid's Tale

discuss her secrets with others, but realizes that this will not be tolerated, as others will hear just what they have taught her to say. Incidentally, the narrator remains laden with guilt and frustration. Later in the novel, the narrator demonstrates her strength by standing up to her mother who represents the tradition that silences her. At this moment, the protagonist finally breaks through familial, cultural, and mental boundaries that have impressed hindrances on her from a young age as she listened to her mother’s stories and dissatisfaction with the conduct of family members. When the narrator breaks her silence, she becomes an independent person free from the overbearing burden of rules and expectations that were forced upon her because

In the novel. The reader sees how stringent the restrictions placed on women in Gilead are through the small acts that society considers threats to its uniformity. In a society where there is almost no power available for women, the protagonist Offred takes advantage of an opportunity to relish her ability to evoke lust in a few young guards with a slight swing of the hips. “It’s like thumbing your nose from behind a fence or teasing a dog with a bone held out of reach, and I’m ashamed of myself for doing it… I enjoy the power...” (Atwood 22). Offred’s minor flirtatious gesture at first causes her to feel as society would want her to, shameful. However, she quickly changes her mind realizing that while she does pity the loveless men she has tormented, she also finds exercising any control over them, even through temptation, satisfying. The idea that such a small act can serve as a rebellion against society shows just how controlling Gilead is. The scenario also evokes a sad thought that the slight power Offred finds is gained purely by objectification. In an analysis of the novel, Perkins analyzes gender relations within Margaret Atwood’s dystopia. “Subordinates are encouraged to developed childlike characteristics-- submissiveness, docility…dependency-- that are pleasing to the dominant group" (127). This comparison to children is both accurate and extremely troubling. The novel’s civilization does treat women much in the way that ours treats children. They are under constant supervision, trusted little, told what to do often, and are expected to obey regardless of how they will be impacted. Disturbingly, Atwood calls her novel speculative fiction, claiming that she believes the events she describes could actually happen under the circumstances that she