All societies have a certain sense of spirituality. It could be religion or simply a sense of awareness and connection. While this aspect can be beneficial to communities, it can conversely corrupt depending on how it is promulgated and received. In Margaret Atwood's novel, The Handmaid's Tale, Gilead society is built on a totalitarian government derived from a strict interpretation of the Holy Bible. Set in the near future, Atwood writes about a country plagued by infertility; women, handmaids, capable of conceiving children are domesticated, almost the property of their family. Because of this infertility, birth is transformed into a sacred occasion - revered as the most cherished event in Gilead - to the point that "birth days" are shrouded in as a kind of holiday. Through the examination of a "birth day", one is able to recognize how this absolutist government presents this holiday as a means to maintain control, offer hope and manipulate freedom over women. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayThe women of Gilead are severely segregated. Handmaids are employed to continue the race for officials and wives who cannot bear children. On these "birthday days", the handmaids are refused the cakes and other sweets that their wives snack on. Wives use the excuse that luxuries are harmful to women and children; however, they intend to oppress these women only because they have influence over wives through relationships with their husbands. Therefore, in any case, control must be maintained. Depriving them of simple luxuries like sweets is one way to achieve this easily. Second, the vehicles that the two types of women take to the birth site are drastically different. Wives enjoy plush seats with large windows to the outside world while handmaids receive wooden benches and thick curtains to block their view. By placing this extreme difference in luxury, the handmaids are forced to recognize their own caste. Their value is based only on their ability to produce children; they became vessels instead of people. In contrast, the "Birth Days" present a positive light. Since children are sacred and coveted in Gilead, producing one earns the handmaid a reward. He may receive honors and exemption from his duties for the entire term. Therefore, the fact that a handmaid conceives a child offers hope to the remaining ones. You immediately understand what a child means to these women. For a time they will have value, praise and love, despite it being a false appearance. Secondly, the thought of a child offers hope to the rest of the home staff. For example, Cora, one of the Marthas, a maid, wants a child because for her it is equivalent to recognition. Offred, the handmaid of her house, is a physical representation or hope for Cora. A baby for the family means that he will have a baby to take care of. He will bring people home who he can serve and impress with his cooking and cleaning skills. A child will highlight his life and efforts, the same goes for a handmaid. All the handmaids in the district are forced to attend births to create a false sense of freedom. Given the importance of the day, they are exempt from any obligation. Once they arrive home, these women can do whatever they want, obviously within certain limits. They gossip with the other handmaids and get drunk on flavored grape juice. For a time they are normal women, not glorified sex slaves. They are free. It is made fun of in front of them intentionally in the same way as control methods so that they understand their place..