Handmaid's Essay

Choose three characters and write about the different ways in which they are shown by
Atwood to be victims of the system in Gilead - Essay
Margaret Atwood's novel explores the oppressive regime of Gilead, highlighting the
dehumanization and loss of agency in the characters. Atwood portrays Serena Joy as a victim
of Gilead's oppressive system, revealing the complexities of her character through her loss of
agency, emotional isolation. Nick is portrayed as a multifaceted victim of Gilead's oppressive
system, revealing the complexities of his position within the regime and Offred. Atwood vividly
depicts Offred as a victim of Gilead's totalitarian regime, highlighting her profound loss of
identity and agency within a patriarchal society
Atwood portrays Serena Joy as a victim of Gilead's oppressive system, revealing the
complexities of her character through her loss of agency, emotional isolation, and enforced
rivalry with Offred. Once a public advocate for traditional values, Serena finds herself trapped in
a life where her worth is defined solely by her role as a Wife, stripped of any real power. Offred
says, “I am not allowed to read,” which highlights the restrictions placed on women, even those
in positions of relative privilege. This lack of autonomy is compounded by her relationship with
the Commander, which lacks intimacy and reduces her to a mere ornament in their household -
Offred describes Serena's joy as "She is a relic of the past, a reminder of the world that once
was, before Gilead. She has become decorative, a trophy of sorts."This quote highlights how
Serena Joy is reduced to an object within their household, emphasizing the emotional distance
and power imbalance in her relationship with the Commander. It underscores her role as a mere
ornament rather than an equal partner
Serena's jealousy towards Offred underscores the regime's manipulation, as she views the
Handmaids as rivals rather than allies “You can’t help what you feel, but you can help how you
behave.” This reflects her desperation and the deep emotional isolation she experiences,
revealing how Gilead fosters competition among women to maintain control. Ultimately,
Serena’s character serves as a poignant illustration of how systemic oppression victimizes
women at every level, illustrating that even those who once held power are caught in the web of
patriarchal domination.
Atwood vividly depicts Offred as a victim of Gilead's totalitarian regime, highlighting her
profound loss of identity and agency within a patriarchal society. Offred’s existence is
fundamentally defined by her role as a Handmaid, and she is stripped of her former life, as
evidenced by her disjointed memories of the past. She recalls her previous independence and
her relationship with her husband, Luke, reflecting on intimate moments with the haunting line, “I
remember the smell of his skin.” This poignant memory underscores what has been taken from
her, illustrating her deep yearning for the life she once had. Such longing emphasizes how
Gilead's oppressive structure has not only robbed her of personal freedom but also fragmented
her sense of self. Furthermore, Offred’s name, derived from her Commander, symbolizes her
lack of autonomy, reducing her to a mere possession rather than recognizing her as an
individual with her own identity. Through these elements, Atwood powerfully conveys the
dehumanizing effects of a society that prioritizes control over personal agency.
Offred’s daily experiences vividly illustrate the psychological trauma inflicted by Gilead's regime.
She constantly grapples with fear and surveillance, poignantly noting, “the Eyes of God run over
all the earth,” which encapsulates the oppressive control that permeates her existence. The
ever-present threat of violence is evident in the brutal punishments inflicted on those who dare
to resist, reinforcing the harsh reality that compliance is often the only means of survival.
Atwood skillfully captures Offred's internal struggle as she navigates this oppressive
environment, highlighting her desperate yearning for connection and autonomy. Her small acts
of rebellion, such as the secret meetings with the Commander, serve as a testament to her
resilience, yet they also reveal the depths of her entrapment within a system designed to
subjugate her. Ultimately, Offred's journey underscores the profound psychological effects of
Gilead's regime on women, illustrating how even the slightest semblance of freedom becomes a
dangerous and fleeting illusion. Through her experiences, Atwood powerfully conveys the
impact of a totalitarian society on the human spirit.
Nick is portrayed as a multifaceted victim of Gilead's oppressive system, highlighting the

complexities of his position within the regime. Although he occupies a male role as the
household chauffeur, he is not exempt from the repressive structures that dictate societal
behaviour. His ambiguous status places him in a precarious position, forcing him to navigate the
dangers of Gilead’s strict social hierarchy. Offred notes that he is “not a true believer,”
suggesting that, like many others, he is coerced into compliance rather than genuinely
embracing the regime's ideology. His growing bond with Offred serves as a form of rebellion
against the dehumanization they both face; he expresses genuine feelings that are fraught with
risk in such a controlled environment. When he tells Offred, “You can’t help what you feel,” it
underscores his own struggle against the emotional repression enforced by Gilead. Ultimately,
Nick's entanglement in both the oppressive system and acts of resistance illustrates the intricate
ways individuals, regardless of gender, are ensnared by the regime's brutality. This duality
reveals his own victimization within a society that demands loyalty and conformity at the
expense of personal connection and freedom
Atwood portrays three characters, Serena Joy, Nick, and Offred, who are victims of Gilead's
oppressive system. Their experiences highlight the regime's betrayal of women and the
psychological impact of constant surveillance, highlighting the pervasive nature of
totalitarianism.

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Choose three characters and write about the different ways in which they are shown by

Atwood to be victims of the system in Gilead - Essay

Nick is portrayed as a multifaceted victim of Gilead's oppressive system, highlighting the

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