Biblical Intertextuality and Gender Structure in Postmodern Fiction: A Case Study Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale

Abstract

This dissertation examines the intersection of biblical intertextuality and gender structure in postmodern fiction, with a specific focus on Margaret Atwood’s acclaimed novel, The Handmaid’s Tale. By exploring the intricate interplay between religious references and gender dynamics within the narrative, this case study aims to shed light on how Atwood utilizes biblical themes, motifs, and language to construct a dystopian society that reflects and critiques contemporary gender issues. Drawing on postmodernist literary theory and feminist criticism, this research investigates the ways in which the novel engages with biblical allusions, such as the story of Rachel and Leah, the Red Center as a reimagined convent, and the notion of Handmaids as a twisted interpretation of biblical concubines. It delves into the implications of these intertextual references, analyzing how they shape the gendered power dynamics, patriarchal control, and reproductive politics within the novel. Through a close textual analysis, this study examines the strategies employed by Atwood to subvert and challenge traditional gender roles through biblical symbolism. It explores the ways in which the novel’s characters navigate and resist oppressive structures, emphasizing the agency, resilience, and collective resistance of female protagonists. By investigating the complex relationship between biblical intertextuality and the gender structure in the novel, this dissertation contributes to a deeper understanding of how postmodern fiction engages with religious and gender discourses, offering insights into the broader cultural and literary significance of Atwood’s novel within the context of contemporary gender studies and literary criticism.