Jack answers “Do you wish Gilead would come true?”

A Goodreads user asked this question about The Handmaid’s Tale (The Handmaid's Tale, #1):

Do you wish Gilead would come true?

Jack I would like to be the devil's advocate for this question. While the book does portray a dystopian view of the near-future, an argument could be made …moreI would like to be the devil's advocate for this question. While the book does portray a dystopian view of the near-future, an argument could be made that it is, in some ways, better than the present. For example, the handmaids are given a salute by the Guardians, as a sign of respect. Moreover, it is noted that there is a "freedom from". From the book: "Now we walk along the same street, in red pairs, and no man shouts obscenities at us, speaks to us, touches us. No one whistles."

Lastly, while the "particicution" ceremony is violent, cruel and mostly used for scapegoating, would not some victims of rape wish that kind of vengeance, perhaps justifiably so ?(less)

flag

View all 4 comments

Thoth Harris This is exactly the situation in a number of Islamic countries. To blame Jack, just because he presenting it as some in the world like/desire is silly ...more
Jul 14, 2019 12:44AM · flag

MaryAlice Great comments all.
Nov 01, 2022 08:29AM · flag

More questions about The Handmaid’s Tale…

The Handmaid’s Tale

by Margaret Atwood (Goodreads Author)

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more