Uma análise comparativa entre a subalternidade da mulher em O conto da aia (2017), de Margaret Atwood, e a realidade da mulher brasileira no século XXI

Abstract

This research aims at understanding and analyzing the representation of female subordination in The Handmaid’s Tale (2017) by Margaret Atwood, as well as placing it in comparison with the reality experienced by women in the current brazilian context. The novel in question places as main issue the woman as a dominated subject, and although this is a title considered as the antithesis of utopia and fiction, the aspects of oppression endured by women in the literary work resembles the construction of oppression from gender inequality in brazilian society. Therefore, the method used to the development of this research was bibliographic, which has the goal of surveying part of the data and information already established in literature, theory and documentary analysis regarding the chosen topic so it would be possible to analyse and develop the theme proposed. In order to obtain the necessary results it was important to understand the goal of this study, and thereby, the contact with the materials that go along with the research was vital, as well as with postcolonial, feminists, literary and historical theories. That being said, to develop such analysis it was important to look specifically at three concepts: the concept of Dystopia (BERRIEL, 2005; BOOKER, 1994), the concept of Comparative Literature (CANDIDO, 1998; TIEGHEM, 1959), and the conceptualization of “The woman as a subordinated subject” (BORDIEU, 2012; BUTLER, 1990; MILLET, 1969; SPIVAK, 2010; amongst others). Therefore, an approximative counterpoint was made between the literary work and the social-historical brazilian context regarding gender relations from the colonial period until the present days. From this point of view, it was possible to comprehend that the Literature role presents an universe of possibilities and that through it we can find meaning that brings new perspectives to our own reality, that way enabling critical thinking about society and the world’s history as we know it. And even though Margaret Atwood’s dystopia presents an extreme narrative from a society living under a conservative and authoritarian shadow, in it we can find distinct elements that allow reflection about our own experience as women within the brazilian territory.