Analyze the authoritarian tendencies of Christianity’s Holy Scriptures as portrayed in Margaret Atwood’s famous novel, "The Handmaid’s Tale".
Perhaps there could be a balanced portrayal here of the negative with the positive, if any. – Munjeera7 years ago
I'm not sure I would attribute tendencies to the Scriptures themselves. It's the interpretation of authoritarian statements that is harmful, which definitely plays a role in Handmaid's Tale and similar books. You could expand this to include works like The Scarlet Letter too, if you like. – Stephanie M.7 years ago
Agreed. Critiques of institutionalized Christianity are prevalent in literature. While I doubt anyone would suggest that the critique is not useful, it may be helpful to present how literature underscores some of the social justice, social gospel and power of the individual to effect change using Christian values. In Canadian literature, L.M. Montgomery, of Anne of Green Gables fame, also expanded on the topic of social gospel messages in novels like the lesser known "The Blue Castle." As both are Canadian authors it may be useful here to compare Atwood with Montgomery or even another Canadian author like Alice Munro. – Munjeera7 years ago
I think the purpose of The Handmaid's Tale is not meant to be balanced in its depiction of institutionalized fundamentalist Christianity. It's a biting critique, and therefore, should be analyzed at the level of its intentions. I think it would be even better for this piece to focus on quotes from the actual Holy Bible for two reasons: one, I agree with Stephanie that it's a common theme to critique institutionalized Christianity, and two, it wouldn't be an interpretation of an interpretation of an interpretation. A cross-textual analysis would be the most interesting for this topic, in my opinion. – daniellegreen6247 years ago
U'd think Render unto Caesar says it all...no one has ever made me understand why the great radical Christ said such a thing, as the Tiberius who he lived under was literally cutting the cunts out of little girls lest they get pregnant after he molested them, this is Italy and we do mature quick us children of the sun, such creating the Catholic Curia in more ways than one. – Antonius8657 years ago
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