The written literature of our time is most effective when it is able to give readers a message that can directly correspond to the real world in which they live Today. Through contemporary literature, readers can be made aware of the conditions of society at the time it was written. It is more thought-provoking and leaves a lasting impact than if it were simply written for informational or entertainment purposes. Contemporary literature is at its best when readers know how to identify these social problems, because the author can speak to the readers and convey a strong message by making them alert, or even be able to provide a solution to these social problems. This is clearly demonstrated in the novel "The Handmaid's Tale", written by Margaret Atwood. Written in 1985, this piece of contemporary literature is a dystopian novel full of warnings for the development of society and our environment. Through the development of ideas and settings, we realize that nothing in the novel is original, but in fact it has already happened in our real world. This is because history repeats itself and shows us that the same or even worse problems can arise or already be present in our modern society as in the past. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original Essay The extreme power and control of government in “The Handmaid's Tale” inspires readers to see and imagine how such a government could be born. The Republic of Gilead is a totalitarian theocratic regime set in the near future, where men hold all the power and authority. The regime strictly limits the freedom and individuality available to its citizens by suppressing, manipulating and censoring unwanted information as well as language itself, in order to suit the desires and beliefs of the rulers. As Michel Foucault said, “knowledge is power and power controls knowledge”. All members of society are victims of this oppressive government and are always under constant surveillance and fear of being killed or sent to the "colonies". “The Wall” is a key method used by the government to gain power by sowing fear among its population. Citizens who have rebelled or broken the rules are publicly hanged from a brick wall, in plain sight, with only their faces covered with a paper bag, making them unrecognizable. Offred says, “We are supposed to watch; That’s what they’re there for.” The regime uses the Wall as a warning and a threat, and even though Offred and others know this goal, they do nothing against it out of fear. It's a reminder of the difference between being ignorant and ignorant, and how they let fear take over their ability to do what's right. “We lived, as usual, in ignorance. Ignoring is not the same as ignorance, you have to work at it.” Through Offred's narrative, Atwood successfully conveys the idea that it is so easy to let power take control. It shows us that it is only when people become aware, protest or act that change can take place. Complacency is dangerous, and as people it is our duty and responsibility to shape the society we live in. If we continue to look past and ignore the problems and flaws of our society today, we could end up with a society that is just as bad. like Gilead. This dystopian and future setting of the novel alerts us tothe vulnerability and potential power of our society and community, and makes us more aware of the political state and development of our own country. An important social issue displayed throughout the text is the idea of ​​feminism and gender equality. This can be seen through the setting of the Commander's house and the Rachel and Leah Center (Red Center). Women are given jobs based solely on their sexuality, and we see them, through Offred, struggling to survive in their male-dominated world. In society where infertility rates are high, every woman's goal is to be able to reproduce or perform domestic tasks within the household. She says they are “two-legged wombs, that’s all; sacred vessels, ambulatory chalices,” emphasizing the fact that they are not considered humans but rather objects of reproduction. The framework includes the public sphere and the private sphere of society. The public sphere is where citizens have the opportunity to voice and voice their opinions and needs to the regime. In Gilead this is limited only to men, who can be employed and work. All women, including Offred, are part of the private sphere; where they are hidden from society and allowed to enter the public sphere only for domestic reasons. Through this, Atwood depicts America in the 1980s, where Reaganism was then most influential. Reaganism, named after U.S. President Ronald Reagan, brought back "traditional" family values, and many changes took place, which Atwood viewed with concern and disapproval. At the Red Center, an institution training girls to become servants, young women are taught to be silent, that “modesty is invisible,” and are brainwashed by aunts. Aunt Lydia tells them: “There are many types of freedom. Freedom and freedom of... Now you receive the freedom of. Don't underestimate him. These references remind us not to take for granted the respect and freedom that women before us fought so hard for. Although there has been a notable movement toward gender equality since the 1980s, particularly in contemporary Western society, "The Handmaid's Tale" warns us that inequality is still present in the world today and is a problem we are continually solving. This can be seen in the recent women's marches across America following the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Women dressed as Handmaids from the novel appeared at these protests and forced people, myself included, to compare the events and ideals of America under President Trump to those of Gilead and see the similarities between the two worlds on this social issue. Another social problem that contemporary literature alerts readers to is the environment. The environment outside of Gilead is permeated with chemicals and pollution, and it is this environment that has caused a significant increase in infertility rates. Offred gains insight into the state of the environment through television; “Now we can see a city, still from the air. This was once Detroit”, “…a clump of trees explodes” and “Columns of smoke rise from the horizon”. Through these descriptions we become aware that the state of the environment is not clean, but is dark and post-apocalyptic, with wars breaking out and people dying shortly after being exposed. to a toxic atmosphere. This further adds to the dystopian setting of the novel. The environment is an important part of society because it provides resources and..