The Handmaid's Tale By Margaret Atwood Summary

What Does it Mean to be a Woman Today?

The long, winding road also known as the history of women’s rights dates back long before one’s memories even begin. While women have came far today, the battle for equality continues. In Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale a not so pretty picture is painted in what foreshadows a regression of all the triumphs a woman in the world today has persevered for. Women in this story are simply nothing more than a tool constantly used as a two-legged womb. Atwood writes from the perspective of Offred. The handmaid, Offred, belongs to a wealthy man named Fred and his wife, hence “Of-fred.” If you don’t marry well, you are seen as worthless. Atwood writes, “This is the kind of touch they like: folk art, archaic,

She says that in previous years women had the option to wear what they want, say what they want, and do whatever their heart desires. Having this endless array of options would lead to issues women are seen as unequipped to deal with such as being sexualized due to their lack of clothes or even being emotionally attacked in the workforce. Ironic, isn’t it? To look more towards present day occurrences, Judy Brady’s I Want a Wife depicts everyday hindrances women are met with. Brady takes on the role of a man in need of a wife. She discusses how she longs for a wife to fulfill her sexual desires no matter what, to clean up after her, and watch over herself and the children without complaining. She also states, “If, by chance, I find another person more suitable as a wife than the wife I already have, I want the liberty to replace my present wife with another one.” This idea shows just how expendable women are seen in today’s society. Women have hit major milestones in the fight for equality, but are not entirely done yet. With that being said, in order for women to move forward, these issues must be recognized and addressed accordingly to prevent a decline in this uphill battle similar to the