Dystopian Journal #3

The critisizms that Atwood has is towards the citizens of the U.S. and how they allow the government to control them. She, of course exaggerates this, but she does so in a manner that foreshadows a version of our future. Atwoods vision is not necesarilly believable, but it is indeed powerful. The eerie similarities that Gilead bears towards our society can be closely examined to reveal a strong connection. It makes the reader think of all of the ways they are controlled and wonder what would happen if that control got out of hand. Throughout the story, Offred talks about her previous life and how much joy she had in it. This gives the hope that Offred can return to being happy. She longs to return to her family and this gives her the strength to keep going. Also towards the end of the story, Offred starts to take control of her own life. She independently goes to visit Nick for sex. Her desicion is not influenced by anyone else. Atwood does this to show that we can make our own decisions even if we are already subject to an oppressive and controlling government. She offers the hope that things still can be steered in another direction. We may be on the path to a society like Gilead, but it is not set in stone. Atwood shows us that just by keeping a small amount of control over ourselves, we can keep ourselves from becoming pawns to the government. This is showed when Offred is taken away by the rebellion. Her control over herself has been rewarded by potential freedom.

Word Count: 270