Turning Point In The Handmaid's Tale

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This quote highlights a turning point in the novel where the reader finds out Offred is not just a mindless handmaiden who is following the rules set by the Gilead. By using phrases such as “I’m not ashamed after all,” and “I enjoy the power,” Atwood highlights how Offred is against the society she was forced into and showcases feminism in this strict patriarchal society of a dystopian America. This quote starts the turning point in the novel by allowing for the reader to discover that Offred will somehow disband from the herd mentality of this society and find a path to freedom; likewise, by using such vulgar and harsh language one discovers that Offred is not as innocent and maiden like as she appears. This quote showcases the feministic …show more content…

Phrases such as “fucking the lower part of my body,” “one is involved,” and “nor does rape cover it” are bold and straightforward highlight to severity of this society with its enforcement of strict patriarchal systems and beliefs. Continuing these phrase introduce Offred’s disgust with this society, for she is being used to try and provide a child to this man and his wife. This excerpt further highlights and moves along the plot of the novel by adding to Offred’s distain of this society and further pushing along Offred’s somewhat hidden feminist agenda to get out of this society and find her husband, Luke and daughter. Likewise, this passage suggest to the audience that today in modern times women are seen as pieces of meat that are only used for carrying children, showcasing that to a degree our societies are still heavily patriarchal, and that we need feminist ideas and concepts to be molded into society in order for women to become equal to men. Atwood not only leaves the reader to empathize with Offred and her purpose in society, but leaves the reader to question the purpose and views in society today in the modern

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