Essay Questions

Why is the Gilead Government segregating its people into different categories?

The biggest worry of any government is the rebellion from its people. The government of Gilead knows that an insurgency from the citizens can destabilize it completely. Therefore, the government tactically separates its citizens into three categories: men, women, and children. Men have high-ranking positions in government, and they can access vital resources. Women are in a lower class, and their role is to give birth. The government succeeds in avoiding rebellions because men feel entitled and in control at all times.

Bigotry against the female gender is prevalent throughout the book ‘The Testaments.’ Show how Atwood succeeds in showing that Gilead is a chauvinistic and patriarchal society.

Sexism is a prevalent theme throughout the book because women are considered lesser beings than men. The high-ranking positions in government are given to men. The high-ranking men are called commanders. Men naturally brainwash women to believe that they cannot lead. Therefore, women have grown to think that they have a lower status in society, not reality. Similarly, women must be submissive and preserve their virginity. Once married, women are made to believe that their primary roles are giving birth, taking care of their husbands, and conducting all household chaos.

How does the author illustrate that women in Gilead had no freedom of doing whatever they wanted?

The women of Gilead are denied access to their rights, including a good education, opportunities, leadership, and dressing. Besides women being restricted to homes, they were not allowed to dress as they wished. For instance, women were given a strict dress code which they had to adhere to at all times. Women are taught that they must protect their virginity, and the best way to do that is by covering their entire body from the head.