Attitudes towards Women and Sex

We learn about Jezebels in chapters 37-39 when the commander sneaks Offred to this forbidden secretive club/hotel, this is where superior men get the opportunity to 'meet' girls whilst living in this strict society of Gilead. Attitudes are explored throughout the Handmaids Tale about how women are inferior to men and are primarily used as productive or sexual objects. Also attitudes of how sex is becoming less meaningful and is seen very much as a duty but hugely important not only for reproducing but also for pleasure, as the men are risking their lives for this opportunity. These ideas are reinforced in these few chapters.

When the Commander and Offred enter Jezebels, Offred explains how she is treated by the men, being beside the Commander his 'grip tightens' on her upper arm when he notices familiar faces around. The verb 'grip' describes his contact with her, rather than embracing or holding her hand it is more emotionless and rough showing his possessiveness. It seems like he is stamping his property to the onlookers and showing off this hand candy.

She also explains after when the other men come to meet the commander how they look at her and simply 'dismiss' her. The verb 'dismiss' emphasises how women are objectified and not seen as humans or equal to the men as they openly ignore her as if she is emotionless and unable to converse. Ironically these men still have the audacityo t 'review' her breasts and legs, although they decide to avoid any contact or communication they feel as if they are allowed to stare at her physical features. This is extremely rude and appalling as it reinforces how women are seen as having no other roles other than sex. The verb 'review' describes the way they look at her like she is something available to study and just an empty frame. Furthermore women are seen as unworthy things being mistreated and simply defined by their gender.

This also raises the idea of how these principles of Gilead by assigning handmaids and paying huge importance to reproducing has influenced the men in the society by defeating the previous respect and genuine care they had for women.

Nevertheless attitudes towards sex are also commented upon in this section of the novel, firstly the perception of how men view women as good-looking meat already informs us of how they view sex as a pleasurable and meaningless common activity as they could care less which body it is with as long as it looks good. This is justified when the commander says "Nature demands variety for men" explaining the various women in Jezebels. He uses 'Nature' as an excuse like it is natural and innate for men to have sex like it is some sort of competitive sport rather than an intimate and special experience to share with ones partner. This shows mens attitudes towards sex and how they believe it is important enough to risk their lives over, as if they get caught the could be hung on the wall.

Females attitudes towards sex is also similar as the women in Jezebels and as Handmaids think of it as a forced job for means of survival, hence they don't find it as pleasurable as men. Or do they? Offred and Nick...