Identify and discuss a variety of insights you gained into the subject of identity through your engagement with Atwood’s novel, The Handmaid’s Tale - Leaving Cert English - Question B(i) - 2019

In Margaret Atwood’s novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, identity is portrayed as a complex, multifaceted notion affected by various factors, including personal, social, and political circumstances. One insight gained is that identity is heavily influenced by societal structures. For instance, the character of Offred illustrates how her identity is diminished through societal roles that prioritize rigid classifications over individual experiences. She is no longer seen as a person but rather as a ‘handmaid’ defined solely by her reproductive capability.

Furthermore, the novel addresses the concept of identity as a performance shaped by external expectations. For example, the ‘Aunts’ operate as enforcers of the regime's ideals, imparting an identity upon the women that aligns with societal control. This forced adaptation highlights how individuals can struggle against imposed identities while grappling with their authentic selves.

By examining these dynamics, readers can understand the various elements that construct identity and how power and resistance interact in shaping one’s sense of self.