The Impact of Gilead on Society: Old People, Teen Boys, and Working Families
In Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale, the creation of Gilead brings about a series of contentious societal changes that affect various demographics. This essay explores how Gilead's establishment impacts old people, teen boys, and working families, providing insights into the regime's less publicly visible yet deeply impactful consequences.
Old People
The disadvantages faced by the elderly in Gilead are stark and often tragic. The regime prioritizes the reproductive capabilities of younger individuals, thereby devaluing the lives of those past their reproductive years. They may be sent to euthanasia centers, where they are considered a burden to the state due to their inability to contribute to the population's growth. Alternatively, some are simply neglected, left to subsist in a society where survival is contingent on one's ability to reproduce.
The elderly that do remain active are often relegated to demanding roles such as Marthas, who perform domestic duties in the homes of the Commanders. These roles are grueling and often laden with manual labor, leaving the elderly to hope for continued employment as a means of survival. Some old people manage to maintain their jobs, trading their limited resources and energy for mere subsistence, hoping to avoid the fate of those labeled as societal burdens.
Teen Boys
Teenage males in Gilead face a dual fate, either undergoing indoctrination and militarization or facing societal marginalization. Many are drafted into the new army, where they undergo rigorous training to align with the regime's values. Others flee the oppressive environment, moving underground and halting almost all non-working, non-classified male sexual activities due to the regime's strict laws on sex outside marital unions. This duality creates a stark divide in the lives of teen boys in Gilead, with some embracing a life of militaristic control and others seeking freedom and rebellion.
Additionally, the regime's desire to reduce the dependency ratio and limit population growth means that teen boys who do not fulfill their assigned roles are effectively denied entry into stable work environments. This leaves many to choose between military service or the underground economy, creating a contentious and often dangerous existence for this demographic.
Working Families
The traditional family structures of working families are dismantled by Gilead's establishment. Men are assigned significant roles of authority and control, while women are assigned specific, often restrictive roles such as Wives, Handmaids, or Marthas. This rigid division of labor effectively dismantles the mutual support and partnership inherent in a nuclear family.
The regime's strict enforcement of gender roles means that many working families must adapt to these new norms. Some find ways to conform and thrive economically, such as those who can navigate the complex and often covert market. Others, like June and her family, choose to resist, sometimes at the cost of safety or security. In extreme cases, fathers might use children to redistribute assets, mothers may be assigned as Handmaids, or entire families might end up in colonies deemed incapable of supporting the regime's goals.
For many families, the choice to flee or adapt is a constant negotiation between survival and compliance. The systemic pressures of Gilead force individuals to make difficult decisions that can irrevocably alter their lives and the lives of their families.
Conclusion
The rise of Gilead is marked by pervasive oppression and a rigid socioeconomic hierarchy that prioritizes reproduction and control. The treatment of old people, teen boys, and working families illustrates the myriad ways in which the regime seeks to enforce its strictures. These demographic groups are not just collateral damage; they are central to understanding the broader narrative of political oppression and personal resistance in a dystopian society.