Essay on The Role of Society in The Handmaid's Tale

The Structure of Oppression in Gilead

Margaret Atwood’s novel, The Handmaid's Tale, presents a chilling vision of a future where a religious dictatorship has replaced the United States government. In this new nation, known as Gilead, the role of society is not to protect individuals, but to control them through strict rules and constant fear. By examining the role of society in the handmaid's tale, readers can see how a community can be restructured to strip away personal freedom. This tale explores how surveillance, social hierarchy, and the loss of individual identity define the lives of those living under a regime that values order above all else.

Surveillance and the Use of Technology

One of the most significant ways society functions in Gilead is through constant surveillance. The regime uses a network of spies known as "The Eyes" to ensure that everyone follows the law. This creates a society where no one can be trusted, as any neighbor or friend could be an informant for the state. Technology, which once offered freedom and connection in the time before the revolution, is repurposed by the state to monitor bank accounts and track movements. By freezing the financial assets of women and using digital records to identify "deviants," the government uses technology to trap its citizens. This total lack of privacy ensures that individuals remain obedient, as any sign of rebellion could lead to immediate punishment.