Altman i

Outline

Thesis: Through its objectification and spurning of women, the Republic of Gilead, as described in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, serves as an overarching antagonist and allows the author to bring up themes about the dark and disturbing nature of humanity and its desire to escape through violence and aggression.

I. Introduction

II. Social MilieuA. Republic of GileadB. Commander’s House

III. Literary AnalysisA. Word ChoiceB. FlashbacksC. Motif

IV. Sexual SatireA. Description and LanguageB. Gender Roles

V. ThemeA. Nature of HumanityB. ViolenceC. Escape

VI. Conclusion