Compare the use of setting by Attwood in The Handmaid's Tale and Orwell in 1984.

Both "The Handmaid's Tale" and "1984" are dystopian novels set in the near-future. The characters in each novel are subject to extreme supervision and control by the governments in power. However, these governments take different forms: Orwell's Oceania is an autocracy, whereas Atwood's Gilead is a theocracy, with its values stemming from religious thought. This can be seen in the use of religious imagery, not least due to the shop called "Milk and Honey" and the "Rachel and Leah Centre" where the handmaids are 'taught.' Where the focus in Gilead is on religious allusion, Orwell's depiction of a decrepit London features names related to war victories and success. Therefore, whilst both societies subject their citizens to intensive surveillance, they have vastly different ideological bases for doing so.

BC
Answered by Bronte C. English Literature tutor

5102 Views

See similar English Literature IB tutors

Related English Literature IB answers

All answers ▸

What is a simple but effective way to structure my analysis of a piece of literature?


The role of theatre in shaping Nina's character in The Seagull by Chekhov


In Paradise of the Blind, explain how Hang's mother, Que, has an influence on Hang's development


How do I write a critical analysis of two or more texts? (example a compare and contrast)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences