Ah yes, Dystopian Fiction, my favorite genre within the realm of Science Fiction. If you are unfamiliar with the genre, I refer you to my favorite Dystopian novels, 1984 and Brave New World. Basically, a dystopia is the opposite of a utopia, and common thread shared by most of these novels is a Totalitarian Government that is constantly watching, listening, controling or punishing its population.
Another popular title in the genre is a novel by Margaret Atwood, called The Handmaid's Tale, the book which I have chosen to review for this post. This novel takes place in the future United States, where there is a serious decline in the population. The Govt. has decided that they need to take action to get the population levels back up, but the options that they have thought of, fertility clinics and artificial insemination, seem to be too sinful in their minds. They decide to turn to the Bible, and while studying the Old Testement they come to accounts of prophets whose wives could not have children. If the wife could not give her husband a child, they would give him their handmaid, and he would have a child with the her. And that is exactly what the Govt. decides to do. They asign handmaids to a "Commander" and his household.In this dystopian future, the role of the handmaid has been severly limited. They are no longer allowed to read, they are allowed to leave the Commander and his wife only to go shopping at the market, and they are required to sleep with the Commander once a month in the attempt to get pregnant and help increase the population.
The premise sounds great and freaky, but Margaret just doesn't deliver. I wasn't at all freaked out by her version of the future, and I was never really truly worried what would happen to the main character if she got caught breaking the rules. And yes, you've probably already predicted that she does indeed read a magazine, and sleep with someone that she is not supposed to sleep with. Rebel!
After reading this book, I've realized that women just can't hack it when it comes to science fiction. Don't get me wrong ladies, women do have their place in the genre; as long as the're wearing gold bikinis, they're OK with me.
Lets be honest. I get that Margaret Atwood is a femanist and that her point here is how aweful things will get if we allow the Govt. to control a woman's body, but in all honesty, I'm pretty sure that a man would have done a much better job at writing this story. Maybe Ms. Atwood should try writing a spooky mystery novel or a hot and steamy romance, but I'm pretty sure I speak for us all when I say please, stay away from Science Fiction.
This post has been dedicated to Andy Kaufman, the Intergender Wrestling Champion of the World
16 comments:
Sman_9, you are a pig.
(after 9min. of thinking)
Actually you are right. I've never read anything good written by a female dystopian author. Except for Jane Austin. And boy did she create some crazy dystopian-like worlds, but even she was a he, which exciting knowledge modern historians have brought to light.
www.therealjaneausten.com
Austen was actually a pen name for Charles Dickens (he was greedy and wanted the female pounds (that is what the british use as money)).
So anyways, I can't think of any really good female authors.
Big brother is watching, and I think we are all glad it isn't 'big sister'.
Mr. Rumble, my opinion is not only limited to dystopian fiction, it referes to science fiction as a whole.
I guess Charles Dickens didn't realize that women only get paid 3/4 of what men get paid for doing the same job. He should have just released those titles under his own name.
Who recommended that you read a dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood? And, maybe more importantly, who told Margart Atwood to write a dystopian novel? She should stick to writing short stories--or should I say liberal propoganda disguised as short stories--for lame magazines like the New Yorker. As for me and my house, Ms. Atwood, we will read Anne Coulter and other books on the recommended reading list on Fox News' website.
As for science fiction books written by women, I must confess that I have read and enjoyed one: "The Sparrow" by Mary Doria Russell. It is actually really good, and I must recommend it! This must be the exception that proves the rule.
I recognize the fact that you are all bating the female population. However, they are just "jokingly" sexist enough to provoke a response. I'm not even going to touch the "bikini" comment.
However, if you really believe that women writers cannot write science fiction/fantasy how do you explain J.K Rowling?
Isn't it obvious Katie? JK Rowling is a witch. She is most likely an unregistered animagus who can transform into a man. Its after she is transformed into a man that he is able to write such excellent fantasy.
LOL. I knew that which was too good to be true. Darth Spencer, I must confess that my eyes have been opened.
I will look forward to reading "the Sparrow".
But in light of male-witches, I did enjoy the novel "The Wizard of EarthSea" by Ursula K. Le Guin. It was turned into a TV mini series and the main wizard-padowan was played by Ice-man from X-men, and his Magician master was played by Danny Glover (which I believe this happened to be his first wizardry role).
Good one Spence. I can't top that. :)
I wish ice man would have used his wizarding powers in X-Men 3. That fight with Pyro was bo-ring. Danny Glover should have taught him better, I guess.
Oh Katie,
It seems that you are experiencing some genre confusion. I am afraid that you have tried to compare the writer of Children's Fantasy Literature to the writer of Science Fiction. I love wizards and magic and dragons as much as the next person. However it is a completely different genre than Science Fiction that brought us such epics as Endor's Game and Star Trek. Works based on true science that has yet to be applied. Please don't let your 'girl power' allow you to make unfounded assumptions such as this one.
Sincerly,
tjcool18
Sorry "JT" :) I don't know what I was thinking on that one. I must admit, I am not an expert in science fiction. Ian and I will need to have some tutoring sessions on the inner workings of science fiction.
Sarah
TJ, I picked up a hint of what I would consider "sexism" in your comment directed at katie. If I've done anything with this blog, its try to make everyone feel welcome and accepted. Its comments like those that really break down everything that me, Susan B. Anthony, Margaret Sanger, and Sojourner Truth have done to better the lives of women throughout the galaxy.
Don't forget Helen Keler
I apologize. I retract the line which states: 'Please don't let your 'girl power' allow you to make unfounded assumptions such as this one.' It was highly uncalled for.
Sincerely,
The Management
Darth Spencer, otis pringle here. I must say that without even reading the novel by mrs Atwood I am equally convinced that she cannot write science fiction. I would venture to say that she doesn't even read science fiction! Otherwise she never would have considered using anything like "handmaiden" in her title.
Yet, in the same breath, I am going to take an unpopular stance and point out the landmark contribution of females to the realm of science fiction. One of the archetypical, and definately one of the most remembered, tales of science fiction was written by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley; namely, Frankenstein. Indeed, not only was Mary Shelley a woman, but she was the daughter of the author "A Vindication of the Rights of Women." But don't let her relations scare you away from appreciating her enrichment of science fiction. Her tale of morbid fascination with the powers of science, and most especially the powers of creation offered by science, forever changed the landscape of science fiction novels. Not only did she introduce the motif of the scientist delving into areas where he probably shouldn't be, but it also entertains several ideas about the future possibilities of science, issues which are still open for examination. Namely, the creation of life by scientific means. Cloning, artificial ensemenation, and Cylon production are just a few of our current issues that are related to the writings of Shelley.
On a side note, Frankenstein is not the name of the monster created in the story. Nor is the monster a lumbering idiot of limited diction. For some reason, which is probably ignorance (lack of really reading), there are a great many fallacies about Frankenstein. First, Victor Frankenstein is the name of the scientist who creates the "hideous monster," who remains nameless. Why was he never named? Probably a reflection of the monster's blank geneology--you need to have parents in order to be named! Further, the monster is conveniently dehumanized. Isn't it always easier to direct hate and criticism to a group, or an idea, or a title than at an individual? Consequently, a plethera of insults and grotesque synonyms populate the novel, all directed at Frankenstein's creation. "Fiend," "monstrous machination," "monster," "Evil thing," and such. Yet, in a way that might be touching, but isn't, the monster is portrayed as the most eloquent speaker in the entire novel. Indeed, he demonstrates such refined diction and persuasive arguments that it is difficult to associate that eloquent being with the murderous monster. But why would he think that killing was bad, for he never went to school. Indeed, he never even had a mother to teach him morality!
Thus, Shelley also touches upon a couple of themes that tend to crop up in dystopia novels. What happens to the morals of a society when the government controls the education? In 1984 we see that the government delights in recalling old editions of textbooks, actually, any kind of books, in order to edit them, make the necessary political changes, and reprint the whole lot. Or, drawing upon a successful dystopian, and yes, female, author, namely Lois Lowry, we read about the drugged-directed education of the youth. Lowry goes in a bit of a different direction, with her novel "The Giver," because her society, though utilitarian, lacks the universal surveillance and awesome power exhibited in such novels as 1984 and A Brave New World. What makes Lowry's work dynamic is her exploration of how a child would react to a dystopian world, a technique that would soon make Ender's Game an endearing classic of Science Fiction.
Anyway, I agree that Atwood is out, and will not even be seen in the likes of a blog. Though I must remain a bit open to the (I know it is vague) chance that a female can write a good science fiction story.
Sure "Otis Pringle," I guess you had some really compelling arguments there. I read The Giver once and I don't remeber liking it that much. Didn't that little boy have dreams about giving old naked guys baths?
Anyway, that is beyond the point. I can only think of two things to explain your comments:
1. You're trying to impress your bride to be (no need, she already said yes)
or
2. Sam wrote this post
I think Margaret Atwood is an amazing author that depicts how male Chauvinists control females in today's society. Women are used in an epic novel, The Handmaid's Tale, just as they are used in today's society by you male dominating pigs. She is great and no one asked you to read her works. If you hate female authors, then don't read their works. Find someone else to bitch about!
~Angry College Student~
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