Women aren't allowed to read in the Gileadian society because it would give them too much freedom and ability to think.
Also, woman are viewed as objects, as a vessel for giving children and nothing else. The men are the breadwinners in this society and the women are the homemakers.
This can be related to the 1800s when the south in America did not want African Americans reading because they are objects and if given the ability to read, then they will become intelligent enough to revolt against the white people.
Margaret Atwood
Handmaids tale Author is Margaret Atwood
'The Handmaid's Tale' is a novel. The government described in the novel is definitely Totalitarian.
Novel by Margaret Atwood, available in paperback.
the mass population of the mid-1980's
A mature person. It is a very good novel.
According to others in the society, handmaid's have one purpose, to make babies. They are vessels. That is why they are not allowed to have any superfluous objects such as lotion. The only part of their body that matters is the interior. They must be healthy to birth a child.
The heroine, Offred, finds herself in the Night scenes throughout the novel. During the Night scenes she reflects about her previous life. These scenes are how she finds herself. It is the one time of the day that she has to herself and she uses it to search for who she is.
Handmaids in Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" serve the function of bearing children for high-ranking individuals in a dystopian society where fertility rates have drastically declined. They are essentially treated as vessels for reproduction and have little to no agency over their own bodies or lives.
Margaret Atwood wrote "The Handmaid's Tale," a dystopian novel that explores themes of power, control, and oppression in a society called Gilead. Published in 1985, the novel has gained significant acclaim for its powerful storytelling and social commentary.
In "The Handmaid's Tale," the Bible is used as an incendiary device by the oppressive regime of Gilead to justify their actions and control the population through fear and manipulation. By selectively interpreting and distorting biblical teachings to suit their agenda, the regime enforces strict laws and restrictions on society, particularly on women, to maintain power and authority. This misuse of religion serves as a tool for oppression and suppression of individual freedoms.
In Handmaid's Tale the main characters basically ate the same food that we eat today. However, the handmaid's eat a lot more healthy. From reading, the handmaid's do not eat any processed food. They also have access to meat and fruit, but these foods are considered superflous and were a special treat.