Since the novel can be linked to society, it might be nice to give some background information which covers e.g. politics. After you read this post you'll know much more about feminism in the USA, The Feminine Mystique, The New Idea and any other important aspects of American history which can be linked to the novel. Enjoy!
Whereas most female writers in Atwood’s time create an utopia to express their feministic views, Atwood considers a dystopia in which a few men oppress all women. During the time she writes the novel, President Reagan holds power in the USA. This president, is according to all feminists including Atwood, a backward movement since Reagan opposes the ERA ("Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex"). Not only the president opposes these ideas, other ministers think as well that women should stay home again and blame the women for e.g. the economic crises. Since Atwood is afraid that Reagan makes any changes which are not in favor of the feminists, she creates the Handmaid’s Tale in which she describes what might happen. In fact, some things which happen in the Handmaid’s Tale derive from Reagan’s presidency.
Since they cut many social programs in daycare women were forced to stay at home one more time, or at least the men is forced to work so the women have no choice which indicates that women were suppressed which is the case in The Handmaid’s Tale as well .
Since they cut many social programs in daycare women were forced to stay at home one more time, or at least the men is forced to work so the women have no choice which indicates that women were suppressed which is the case in The Handmaid’s Tale as well .
