If you have read the Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood then in your opinion who do you think has a better life, the handmaid's or the jezebels? Explain why.
To form an opinion on who has a better life in Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" between the Handmaids and the Jezebels, it is important to carefully analyze the text and consider various factors. While I can provide an objective analysis, keep in mind that this will involve interpreting the book's content and thematic elements.
First, let's understand the context: The Handmaids are women designated for reproductive purposes in the dystopian society of Gilead, where they are subjected to strict regulation of their bodies and lives. The Jezebels, on the other hand, are women who have been forced into prostitution and work in hidden establishments. Both groups are oppressed and live in a repressive regime, but there are differences in their circumstances.
In terms of physical conditions, the Jezebels may have more freedom in the sense that they are not as closely monitored as the Handmaids. They have more autonomy over their bodies and can engage in intimate relationships to some extent. However, this freedom is within the confines of an exploitative and degrading environment.
Comparatively, Handmaids have a clearer purpose within Gilead's social order, which may provide a sense of identity and meaning. They are assigned to households, where they have access to various resources, such as food and shelter, though still under strict control and surveillance. Handmaids may also have opportunities for limited social interactions within their households.
However, when we consider the emotional and psychological aspects, it is arguable that both groups suffer greatly. The Handmaids experience constant surveillance, separation from their families, and the trauma of being forcibly impregnated while their own children are taken away. They live with fear, uncertainty, and a constant threat to their well-being.
Likewise, the Jezebels endure the trauma of being sexual commodities, stripped of agency and treated as objects for men's desires. They too live in constant fear of punishment and face physical risks associated with their work.
Ultimately, it is challenging to determine who has a better life in this oppressive society. Both groups endure immense suffering and are deprived of fundamental freedoms. The intent of the book is to shed light on the dystopian reality in which women are subjugated, rather than glorify any particular lifestyle within that oppressive society.
In interpreting literature, it is crucial to form your own perspective based on the themes, character development, and author's intentions. It's recommended to read the book and immerse yourself in Atwood's narrative to explore this question more deeply and reflect on the experiences of the Handmaids and Jezebels within the broader context of the novel.