Journal Seven

Journal Seven

Literature has fascinated me with the concept of psyche. In particular, I am intrigued by the interactions of men and women on a emotional and very human level. Most probably, this interest stems from my very present experience of becoming a woman. Relationships are increasingly prominent in my life. The effects of relationships on my mental being are clear. As a young person, I am molded by every relationship I establish. Whether the relationship is that between myself and my parents, myself and my boyfriend or myself and my friends, I am consistently changing due to my existence within each. 


While reading Hell by Robert Olen Butler, I wrote many pieces regarding the power of sexuality. I became engrossed in the topic as I researched it more. I realized, that while sexuality has the power to make many people very uncomfortable, it is the basis of the human psyche. Men and women conduct nearly every aspect of their lives in relation with their sexuality. The power of sex goes unmatched by any other human trait.


It occurs to me while reading The Handmaid's Tale that women are highly conscious of their relationships and use them to grow and manipulate. It is clear that the society was created not to protect women, but to control their sexuality. Sexuality is undeniably the most powerful instrument of femininity. Women are uniquely created. A man's desire for a woman cannot be satisfied by anything but a woman. 


The society is very similar to Nazi Germany. The prejudice, "Colonies", and patriarchy are all aspects of Hitler's creation. Atwood brings in many historical allusions to appeal to logos and pathos. The grotesque nature of the historical events she references such as the Holocaust or Salem Witch Hunt cause her readers to be horrified by the new dystopia of Gilead. Likewise, by bringing in historical events, she supports the possibility of such a society and makes it realistic.