Gender Issues and Identity Crisis in "The Handmaid's Tale" and "The Edible Woman"

Introduction

The issues of gender and identity have frequently been dealt with in literature. Women have lived under patriarchy for many centuries, yearning for and seeking an identity to call their own. Gender discrimination and stereotypes have often led to identity crises. From the earliest plays and novels to the present day, women have faced suppression in various forms. Society has operated under a narrow-minded perception that treats men as the superior section, granting them the privilege of education and freedom, while women were regarded as the inferior sex, under constant male supervision.

Gender Issues and Identity Crisis in "The Handmaid's Tale" and "The Edible Woman"

Women were taught to be submissive and quiet, restricting themselves to household chores. They were expected to take care of the children and were only ever allowed to learn singing, dancing, or how to play the piano. Marriage was the sole factor that gave women some recognition in society; those who married had the privilege to assert dominance over other women. Gender norms posed a challenge for women in society to establish an identity of their own. In a patriarchal society, it is difficult to raise one's voice and discuss establishing individuality when women and their children were economically and socially dependent on the men of the house.

Margaret Atwood's Exploration of Gender and Identity

Male dominance is a common theme explored by writers, including Margaret Atwood, who has adeptly captured the patriarchal rule, gender conflicts intertwined with identity crises, and religious influences in her novels by creating images of a dystopian world. Margaret Eleanor Atwood is a Canadian poet, novelist, and literary critic. Her works address a variety of issues, primarily the power of language, gender and identity, power politics, and religion. She refers to her books as works of social realism rather than attributing them a feminist identity (Atwood, 1985).

The Handmaid's Tale

Atwood creates a dystopian world in both of her texts, "The Handmaid’s Tale" and "The Edible Woman," where she specifically addresses the issues of gender and identity. "The Handmaid’s Tale" is set in the near future, where people live in a totalitarian state. The book narrates the life of a woman and her journey of becoming a handmaid while coping with identity issues. The text explores themes of women's subjugation in a male-dominated society, where all women yearn for an identity of their own and the freedom to act according to their desires. The narration frequently jumps between present and past from the perspective of a handmaid named Offred. Women assigned as handmaids have the sole purpose of providing an heir to the family; they are also expected to run errands like shopping. Only children born without defects are accepted by society, while those with any deformities face uncertain fates, as the narrator's knowledge in the text is limited (Atwood, 1985).

The Edible Woman

"The Edible Woman" tells the story of a young woman named Marian, whose sane and structured world starts to fall apart. She experiences an identity crisis and feels disconnected from her body and self. The narrative perspective shifts, depicting identity conflict, where the first-person narration takes over later in the text. The text explores themes of gender stereotypes, with certain characters defying them. Marian believes that by refusing to eat certain food items, she can escape the cycle of domesticity that women have been bound to over the years. This act of rebellion symbolizes her struggle for autonomy and self-definition in a society that often stifles female individuality (Atwood, 1969).

Conclusion

Margaret Atwood's novels provide a profound examination of the gender issues and identity crises faced by women in patriarchal societies. Through dystopian narratives, Atwood highlights the ongoing struggle for autonomy and self-identity, shedding light on the pervasive influence of gender norms and the societal structures that enforce them. Her works serve as a reminder of the need for continued dialogue and action toward achieving gender equality and individual empowerment.

References

• Atwood, M. (1985). The Handmaid’s Tale. McClelland & Stewart.
• Atwood, M. (1969). The Edible Woman. McClelland & Stewart.