Class in The Handmaid's Tale Analysis

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Questions and Answers

How can class be viewed in Gilead through a Marxist lens?

Gilead's proletariat would likely include the Handmaids, Marthas, Jezebels, Econowives and people who work in the Colonies; the bourgeoisie would include Commanders, Wives and Angels.

Why does Marxism not accurately describe the entire social structure?

Marx's theory does not account for roles such as the Eyes, Guardians and Aunts, who have some social power but not as much influence as the higher classes and are not as exploited as the lower classes.

Why does Weberian theory describe Gilead more accurately?

Weber believed that a person's class was determined by their position in the means of production, but expanded his theory to encompass more complex social structures.

How can Weberian theory be applied to Gilead?

Those in the highest social class have wealth, status and power; those in the middle classes may not have wealth but do have status and power; the lower classes have neither. Signup and view all the answers

How is the class hierarchy shaped in Gilead?

Class is shaped around Gilead's ideals; the closer a person fits to Gilead's values, the higher their social status. Signup and view all the answers

What privileges and luxuries do the Wives have?

They can ride in cars instead of walking, and they can drink coffee, tea and wine. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Angels?

They are high-ranking men who serve as Gilead's soldiers, guarding the Red Centre and neutralizing rebel groups. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that the Angels are higher class?

They may qualify for a wife and a Handmaid, which are seen as status symbols in Gilead. Signup and view all the answers

What privileges do the Aunts have?

They are the only women in Gilead allowed to read and write. Signup and view all the answers

How are Marthas slightly higher class than Handmaids?

They likely have their own network of communication and certain freedoms such as baking, cooking and socializing. Signup and view all the answers

How do Econowives have more freedom than Handmaids?

It is implied that they are allowed to socialize; although they don't have the same respect as Handmaids, they are not subjected to the same dehumanization. Signup and view all the answers

How do Jezebels have more freedom than Handmaids?

They can wear makeup, drink alcohol and socialize with men; however, this freedom comes at a cost as they are eventually sent to the colonies. Signup and view all the answers

What does it indicate if someone is described as 'low status: he hasn't been issued a woman'?

It indicates that Nick is lower class, yet he still has some freedoms such as having his own apartment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the authority dynamic in the household?

Though Serena Joy has power over Marthas and Handmaids, ultimately the Commander has the main authority over the house. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'tell them who it's for and they won't mess around' suggest?

The Commander's respect and status allows him to get better food. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Class Structure in Gilead

Gilead's proletariat includes Handmaids, Marthas, Jezebels, Econowives, and Colony workers; the bourgeoisie comprises Commanders, Wives, and Angels.
Marxist theory does not encompass roles like Eyes, Guardians, and Aunts, who possess limited social power without the same level of exploitation as lower classes.

Weberian Theory

Weber's theory expands beyond Marxism, assigning class based on complex social structures, where status may exist independently of economic power.
In Gilead, Commanders and Wives hold wealth and status, while middle-class roles (Aunts, Guardians, Eyes) have status without wealth, and lower classes (Handmaids, Marthas) lack both.

Gilead's class hierarchy reflects its ideological values; alignment with Gilead's ideals elevates social status.
Men generally occupy higher-ranking positions than women; marginalized groups such as older women and LGBT faces are sent to the Colonies for threatening Gilead's heteronormative framework.

Authority Dynamics

The Commander holds ultimate authority in the household, despite Serena Joy's power over Marthas and Handmaids.
Wives possess jurisdiction over household transgressions against Handmaids and Marthas, reflecting their elevated social class.

Privileges of Higher Classes

Wives enjoy better privileges including transportation in cars and access to luxury items like coffee, tea, and wine.
Angels, as high-ranking soldiers, guard key areas and are eligible for multiple status symbols, including Wives and Handmaids.

Status Indicators

A character's societal standing can be inferred from their relationships; Nick's lack of a woman signifies lower class, yet he maintains some personal freedoms like an apartment.

Role of Aunts and Marthas

Aunts possess unique privileges as the only women in Gilead allowed to read and write, gaining power from their prior status as Unwomen.
Marthas hold slightly higher status than Handmaids due to their communication networks and freedoms related to domestic work.

Distinctions in Freedom

Econowives have more social freedoms compared to Handmaids, implying a balance of respect and independence, albeit to a lesser extent.
Jezebels experience greater freedoms, such as wearing makeup and socializing, but ultimately face dire consequences as they are later discarded to the Colonies.

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Description

Explore the social class structure in Gilead through a Marxist lens in this quiz. Discover the roles of different characters and why Marxism might not fully explain the complexities of society in The Handmaid's Tale. Perfect for students analyzing Margaret Atwood's work.