In The Handmaid’s Tale, the society required that the handmaids wear red clothes at all times and cover their face when going outside. The handmaids were fully clothed and covered almost every part of their body to ensure that they do not draw attention. Rather than allowing the handmaids to choose the clothes they wanted to wear, society forced them to follow certain clothing standards. The handmaids were even obligated to cover their faces. These rules were enforced in society to make sure that the handmaids were not drawing unnecessary attention to themselves. In addition, it prevented men from being attracted or tempted by the handmaids. These dress codes women had to follow were enforced for the sake of the men. The clothing requirements …show more content…
This ceremony involves the Commander’s wife watching the sexual act. The narrator of the novel reveals that the ceremony she was participating in included the Commander’s wife sitting right under her. Offred was able to see how uncomfortable the wife was but could not do anything. “Above me, towards the head of the bed, Serena Joy is arranged, outspread. Her legs are apart, I lie between them, my head on her stomach, her public bone under the base of my skull, her thigh on either side of me. She too is fully clothed” (Atwood 108). Although this ceremony may be occurring for the conceiving of a child, the Commander’s wife is being disrespected. The Commanders are able to sleep with many women in order to conceive a child. In addition, when conceiving a child, the wife must be present. Although the Commanders must pretend as if they are not enjoying the sexual act, the men still benefit from these ceremonies. The wives of the Commanders suffer as well as the handmaids who are placed in an unfortunate and uncomfortable position. The Commanders of this society are not criticized for sleeping with other women in front of their wives. The reason for this is because the society is trying to increase the reproduction rates. Therefore, the Commanders are given an excuse for their sexual behavior. This clearly shows how this society was based on a patriarchal culture. The men were allowed to sleep around and the women could not say anything. Rather the wives had to remain quiet and pretend as though it did not bother them. In reality, when the Commanders’ wives would witness these ceremonies, they would feel threatened by the handmaids. The ceremonies served the men and their sexual desires. The society excused such acts because it was necessary to increase the reproduction rates. The narrator presents many of her personal incidences that point to a patriarchal culture. In this case,