The Hierarchy of Women in "The Handmaid's Tale"

In Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel "The Handmaid's Tale," the hierarchy of women is a central theme that explores the oppressive society of Gilead. This essay will delve into the various layers of hierarchy present in the novel, analyzing the roles and power dynamics of different female characters. By examining the handmaids, the wives, and the Aunts, it becomes evident that the hierarchy of women in "The Handmaid's Tale" reflects the subjugation and control of women within a patriarchal society. Through this analysis, the essay aims to shed light on the complex dynamics at play and the broader implications of such a hierarchical structure.

The handmaids in "The Handmaid's Tale" occupy the lowest position in the hierarchy of women. Their sole purpose is reproductive, serving as vessels for bearing children for the Commanders and their wives. The handmaids are stripped of their identities and given new names to signify their subservient role. They are subjected to strict surveillance, control, and reproductive rituals. The novel portrays their existence as dehumanizing, highlighting the complete loss of agency and autonomy. The hierarchical structure places the handmaids at the mercy of their male oppressors, perpetuating a system of subjugation and control.

Contrasting the handmaids, the wives in "The Handmaid's Tale" occupy a higher position in the hierarchy. They are the privileged class of women who hold power through their marriage to the Commanders. The wives are expected to maintain a façade of virtue and obedience, adhering to the oppressive rules of Gilead. While they may seem to have more agency than the handmaids, their power is limited within the confines of their marital roles. They are dependent on their husbands for status and protection, thereby remaining trapped within a system that oppresses both them and the handmaids.

One unique aspect of the hierarchy of women in "The Handmaid's Tale" is the inclusion of the Aunts. The Aunts are women tasked with indoctrinating and training the handmaids for their roles. They hold a position of authority within Gilead, enforcing the rules and regulations that maintain the hierarchy. Although the Aunts are women, they play an instrumental role in upholding the patriarchal system. Their power stems from their ability to manipulate and control the handmaids, perpetuating the cycle of oppression. The presence of the Aunts showcases how women can become complicit in their own subjugation within a hierarchical society.

Through the exploration of the hierarchy of women in "The Handmaid's Tale," it becomes evident that the novel critiques the oppressive nature of patriarchal societies. The handmaids, wives, and Aunts each occupy distinct positions within the hierarchy, but all are subjected to various forms of control and subjugation. The novel serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of a hierarchical structure that devalues women and restricts their agency. By examining the implications of this hierarchy, we are reminded of the importance of challenging and dismantling systems that perpetuate gender inequality. "The Handmaid's Tale" serves as a powerful critique of such hierarchies, urging us to reflect on the broader implications and strive for a more egalitarian society.

Atwood, Margaret. The Handmaid's Tale. Anchor Books, 1985.