Handmaids Inhumane Essay

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Nathaniel Geiger The Reign of Gilead After the overthrow of the U.S. government, the Republic of Gilead was established in order to “preserve the white the race.” The primary enabler of this dystopian regime’s establishment was a lack of choice. Afterwards, the terms ‘control’ and ‘Gilead’ became virtually inseparable as the government maintained its power though numerous inhumane and unjust methods including: maintaining a constant presence of fear, rules and routines, control of communication, the use of religion, subordination of women, the use of uniforms, controlling relationships, and indoctrination. The primary enabler of Gilead’s establishment was a lack of choice. Soon after the attack on Congress, the Sons of Jacob made it impossible for women to own property leaving them without money. In addition, they also ratified a law that disable women’s ability to possess a job. By doing this the Sons of Jacob made escape virtually impossible. Furthermore Fear also…show more content…
No matter how much the women are contained, Gileadean society cannot perpetuate without child bearing women, and if they are infertile they are declared ‘unwomen’ and sent away to the colonies .In this society, Handmaids are treated like slaves and sexual objects to men. The Handmaids are only valued while they are able to reproduce and are frequently referred to or treated like vessels or containers rather than as people. Handmaids are transitioned between three Commanders as three ‘chances’ to conceive., before they are sent to the colonies (Atwood 15) . They are also blamed if they are unable to conceive due to their Commander’s infertility. Also the Handmaids are known only by the names of their Commanders, hence Of-Warren and Of-Glen. These patronyms deny them any unique identity, hence making them literally anonymous. The possessive implication of the name also shows their treatment as sexual
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