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Essay / Women's Human Rights in The Handmaid's Tale
In the novel The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, even though women do not have human rights, they have a lot of power than one might think. Towards the end of the novel, in chapter forty-three, during recovery, Aunt Lydia makes an unexpected announcement in which she says that there will be a participation where the handmaids should form a circle and the others would watch. They are told that they can do anything they want to man. The man is a rapist and rapes two maids, a woman is pregnant and her baby dies. The Handmaids pretend that the Keeper is a rapist where the man is part of the people who oppose the new law of Gilead. However, the handmaids believe the story with what Aunt Lydia says. This scene reveals how manipulative their authority is in Gilead. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The maids do not want to hurt the man and show sympathy to him because of his bruises all over his face, but they start beating him when he tries to deny his actions. Janine walks in front of them with blood all over her body and appears to be losing her mind. This reaction from Janine shows rebellion since the Handmaids are victims of unwanted sexual relations and the violent desires of men. The rage they feel is evidence of repressed hatred towards men. There is a sentiment that the higher authority uses to express their rage at letting the Handmaids be in charge at other times. In this novel, individuals with power use it to manipulate others through their fears. Throughout the novel, evidence of effective brainwashing is when Offred continually remembers Aunt Lydia's opinion and words about the rules and consequences of their new lifestyle. In chapter forty-three, it shows that Aunt Lydia is the voice of the handmaids. During Offred's flashback, Aunt Lydia uses body language to show her role within the Women's Center. Aunt Lydia intimidates the Handmaids by clasping her hands and twisting them together, which reveals her manipulative qualities. Besides the fact that the Aunts teach the Handmaids the values of their new society, they also possess the Handmaids due to the power to sentence anyone to death. However, manipulation not only manifests itself in Aunt Lydia, but Offred possesses it as well. Offred likes to take a little pleasure from people who have higher power over her – for example, making eye contact with the guardian, which is strictly forbidden. She uses her body to sexually tease men, which gives her a feeling of rebellion. Keep in mind: This is just a sample.Get a custom paper from our expert writers now.Get a Custom EssayAlthough Offred appears to be a helpless sex slave who is controlled by the government, she sneakily uses his sexuality to gain power and control. commanders at home. While the Commander falls very lustful towards Offred, she uses this to her advantage to manipulate him into getting her business which is restrictive for handmaids, taking him to places which are against the law for someone of his class. The women of Gilead endure severe deprivation but still find ways to control people and hold power..