Observing the Similarities and Differences between...

Dystopian fiction has dominated human imagination for centuries and themes of futuristic societies oppressed by bureaucratic and technological control have become consistent throughout various novels, films and television shows. The absence and mistreatment of humanity due to factors such as war, famine and poverty criticize current global issues while also foreshadowing the consequences of those issues if left unresolved. Both Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and the movie Gattaca reflect dystopian societies in their approach to human reproduction and social class. The illusion of utopia and dehumanization of individuals are present through both societies’ dependence on an elite group of males. Handmaid’s Tale and Gattaca, while sharing similarities between dystopian themes, challenge reproduction from two greatly opposing perspectives: science and religion. In Gattaca, natural conception is highly unrecommended whereas in Handmaid’s Tale it is firmly encouraged and supported. Handmaid’s Tale concentrates on biblical teachings and gender roles reflect those of old world normalities. Citizens are divided into different social classes and are to conform to the expectations of their class. Gattaca on the other hand is based on gender equality, and social class is divided between two categories-genetically engineered and naturally conceived. The presence of an elite group of males, extreme scientific and religious influences, and