The Concept of Surveillance and Control in The Handmaid’s Tale: Analyzing the Role of Surveillance in Maintaining Societal Order

Surveillance plays a central role in The Handmaid’s Tale, where the government of Gilead maintains control over its citizens through constant observation and manipulation. Atwood’s portrayal of surveillance is not just physical, but psychological as well, creating a society where no one is truly free from the watchful eyes of the authorities.

The Eyes, Gilead’s secret police, are a symbol of the oppressive surveillance that governs every aspect of life. Citizens are constantly monitored, and the fear of being watched leads to self-censorship, distrust, and conformity. For the Handmaids, surveillance becomes an inescapable reality, as they are forced to live under the strict scrutiny of their superiors. Offred, the protagonist, is keenly aware of the danger of being watched, and she must constantly navigate this reality to maintain some sense of autonomy.

Atwood critiques the dangers of a surveillance society by showing how surveillance is used to control thought, behavior, and individuality. By using fear and control, Gilead prevents any dissent and reinforces the regime’s oppressive hold over the people. Through the lens of surveillance, The Handmaid’s Tale serves as a warning about the potential for governments to use technology and fear to manipulate and oppress their citizens, creating a dystopian reality where freedom and privacy are nonexistent.