Female Sexuality and Solidarity in Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale

Abstract

This thesis aims to identify the standpoint of Atwoods feminism in the midst of the backlash in the U.S. in the early 1980s. As the New Right and cultural feminists united under the name of anti-pornography, Atwood draws attention to the similar totalitarian characteristics in these two opposing groups through The Handmaids Tale. While the New Right and cultural feminists advocated containing female sexuality for protection from violence, other feminists asserted female sexual freedom to the point of lesbian separatism. However, through Offreds struggle with her relationship with Nick, Atwood portrays the dangers of dichotomizing female sexuality. Furthermore, Atwood suggests a more inclusive feminism established by individual relationships. She opposes rigid definitions and allows latitude in exploring female sexuality, which is revealed through Offreds efforts to define her relationship with Nick and the Commander, while simultaneously feeling guilty for her sexual/intellectual pleasures aroused by them. Chapter One examines the implications of the backlashs control over womens bodies illustrated in Offreds encounters with the Commander and Serena Joy. Gilead represents the actualization of the anti-feminists petition for womens return to the secure and happy traditional roles which in fact dominates womens bodies by regulating reproductive rights and manipulating female sexuality. Offreds recognition of the effects of Gileads control over womens bodies helps her to better understand the power politics within her romantic relationship with Luke and establish her identity in her relationship with Nick. Chapter Two analyzes Atwoods critical view of extreme separatist feminism and cultural feminism which collaborated with the New Right in order to protect women from sexual violence through Offreds relationship with Offreds mother and Moira. Atwood shows the oppressiveness in both extreme parties when defining female sexuality. In Offreds conflict about her relationship with Nick, Atwood illuminates the unnecessary guilt that rigid categorization creates and the errors in dividing personal pleasure/desire from social obligations to fight for womens rights. Chapter Three discusses the importance of passing on womens history to prevent reverting to another backlash. Offreds relationship with her predecessor indicates that women must first form solidarity to pass on womens history. Atwood connects Offreds instinct for survival through asserting herself by telling stories to womens status impacted by the survival of womens history. The Historical Notes cautions losing an individuals voice in the context of historical studies. The Handmaids Tale urges women to break the limitations of the backlash. The text also encourages sexual exploration as well as emotional and intellectual exploration, in order to establish a better understanding of female identity.