Similarities Between 1984 And The Handmaid's Tale

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1984 by George Orwell and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood are two novels about a dystopian society. These books are both about fear of the government and the world’s fate. Both books may seem unrealistic now, but the future is a great mystery. Although frightening, the world can become what the books predict. 1984 and The Handmaid’s Tale have totalitarian societies, strict rules with penalties for having your own or different beliefs and main characters who have goals and see beyond the government. In a totalitarian society the government holds full authority over society and controls all aspects of life. In 1984, Big Brother and the government watch the people of Oceania’s every move. There is no privacy, as helicopters …show more content…

The President was shot and Congress was overthrown. The Constitution was also suspended and the military then took over. People did not riot or fight for their rights because they were too scared to do anything (Atwood 174). Women were not protected in the past and were told not to open their door to anyone. There were no uniforms or dress codes. Women used to be employed and earned their own money (Atwood 24). During the pre-Gilead period birthrates were decreasing because of syphilis, AIDS, stillbirths, miscarriages and genetic deformities. This decrease in birthrates was linked to nuclear power plants (Atwood 304). In response to this, the Gilead banned birth control and required pregnancy tests for all females (Atwood …show more content…

By the end of the novel, Offred and the other handmaids that live with her do not achieve the goal of conceiving a child. It is not a thought that the Commander might be sterile, but instead the blame is put on the handmaids (Atwood 204). Offred’s goal is to have control of her own body, have freedom and be happy. Throughout the novel, Offred hears Aunt Lydia’s voice in her head discouraging her from having any thoughts against the government and telling her she is better off living in Gilead. Although Aunt Lydia’s voice is always with Offred, Offred does secretly meet up with the Commander and enjoys things of the past (Atwood

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