Of course, I feel confident in saying that Atwood's intent was to make her readers uncomfortable in a way that would motivate them to political action. Much like the protest novels of the 19th century, Atwood tapped into feelings of unrest in her own world, especially as it pertained to political action regarding a woman's reproductive rights.
The reader is pretty immediately disoriented at the start of the novel, recognizing some familiar structures like the shape of a house or designations of rank and status, only to be contradicted by the extreme rules of the society being described. The main character is kept anonymous to the reader at first, lending her voice to everywoman as well as furthering the book's depiction of her status and role in Gilead, as an anonymous figure kept for one, faceless purpose. As the story continues, the reader is slowly able to piece together the rules of this new society through flashbacks and Offred's thoughts and discoveries. The image rendered is a harrowing example of what could happen in a world with unchecked political power. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have felt compelled to read it again and again to sift through the poignant images, searching for more crumbs that might answer some of the mysteries amid the horror of violence and oppression. It has certainly earned its reputation as a modern classic.
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Crystal CarneyAs I engage with material, whether reading, writing, or revising, I strive for clarity and immersion. Archives
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