When Offred and the Commander are talking about why the powers that control Gilead created this ultra-patriarchal theocratic society, he says “We thought we could do better,” then admits that “Better never means better for everyone….It always means worse, for some.”
Clearly, in Gilead, life is worse for most people. But what do you think about this general principle? Is it possible, in your view, to have a society where there is meaningful widespread equality without force or a significant limitation of citizens’ freedom? Does “better” for one person inevitably mean “worse” for someone else?
Contemplate this question and any related questions or issues it leads you to reflect on. What kind of society do you want to live in, and how important is equality among all citizens to you? How important is complete freedom for everyone to do what they want, within their capacity and resources? Are those two social elements––equality and freedom––at odds, and if so, how do you imagine a nation or society balancing them?
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