How Does Margaret Atwood Portray the Role of Women in the Republic of Gilead?

The Republic of Gilead allows Offred only one function: to reproduce. She has a choice, this or death. Through 'The Handmaid's Tale' Margaret Atwood conjures up a terrifying image of a society that has completely reversed all its ideologies and principles. Setting it in America, the country often seen as the pinnacle of all things 'Western' and modern, shocks us due to the complete contrast. Women are completely suppressed by men and their position in society is completely determined by the status of their husband and their fertility.
Women are strictly categorised in Gilead, they are Handmaids, Wives, Marthas, Econowives or Aunts. …