Loss of Femininity in a Futuristic Society

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Females are strong, good natured caregivers, so is it in the nature of femininity to be oppressed by society. In Margaret Atwood’s novel Oryx and Crake, society no longer values femininity and the effeminate characters are dominated and controlled to be later thrown away. Females and those associated with femininity are seen as weak, unintelligent, and valueless. The only valued lifestyles are those that contribute to society in a profitable way. Crake is the ultimate symbol of masculinity as he extorts the feminine Oryx and Jimmy to do his work for him. Atwood uses Oryx and Crake to show a society that does not value the feminine. To begin with, in the novel Crake represents the views of the elite, while Jimmy represents a medium between the elite and the disadvantaged. The arts are considered feminine because they are unnecessary and emotional. Their only purpose, according to Crake, is to serve a greater biological need. Jimmy is interested in the joys of life while Crake is interested in the biological necessities. It is a common “misconception” that men only want sex and women want a relationship. However, men only want what is biologically necessary and women sometimes need more. Crake is being the ultimate male since he only wants the biological necessities of relationships. Jimmy is showing his femininity through his desire to experience love and through the challenges of finding love. Additionally, Jimmy is a “word person” in the novel. Jimmy’s talents are only worthwhile when it comes to his ability to advertise for the elite scientists. The only way he can be a valid member of society is to become a slave to science. This, once again, represents the overpowering of science and masculinity over the arts and femininity. Crake is Jimmy’s superior at work and within society. Crake’s knowledge of his power over Jimmy, once again, shows Jimmy’s femininity and

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