Examining Eco-Criticism and Ecofeminism in Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale: Uniting Environmental and Gender Studies

This research explores the intersection of eco-criticism and ecofeminism in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, analyzing how environmental degradation and gender oppression are deeply intertwined within the dystopian society of Gilead. The study investigates the ways in which patriarchal structures exert control over both nature and women, positioning them as resources to be exploited. Through an ecofeminist lens, the paper highlights Atwood’s critique of environmental exploitation and systemic misogyny, illustrating how the novel functions as both a feminist and ecological warning. This interdisciplinary analysis bridges literary studies with environmental and gender theory, emphasizing the urgent need to address the interconnected crises of ecological destruction and social injustice.