Struggle for Autonomy in Jackson’s The Lottery, Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and Zumas’ Red Clocks

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Analysis of Jackson’s Portrayal of Man vs. Society

In “The Lottery,” the author effectively portrays the conflict of Person vs. Society through the chilling depiction of a small town’s blind adherence to tradition and conformity. The main character, Tessie Hutchinson, is pitted against the entire community as they participate in the annual ritual of stoning one of their own to death (Jackson, 1988). Despite her protests and pleas for mercy, she is ultimately overpowered by the collective will of the society. Jackson masterfully conveys the oppressive power of social norms and the individual’s struggle against them, making the conflict between Tessie and the town a stark and haunting representation of Person vs. Society.

Why Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” Best Portrays the Man vs. Society Conflict

On the other hand, Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” offers a compelling portrayal of the conflict of Person vs. Society through the character of Offred. The story is set in a dystopian nation where women are oppressed and denied their rights. Offred must maneuver through the repressive rule of the Republic of Gilead while also coming to terms with her sense of self and wants (Atwood, 2016). Her internal struggles mirror the external forces of societal control and the constant surveillance and manipulation she faces. Atwood skillfully captures the suffocating grip of societal norms and the individual’s fight for autonomy, making the conflict palpable and deeply resonant.

Modern-Day Literature Connecting to “The Handmaid’s Tale”

A modern-day piece of literature that echoes the themes of societal oppression and individual resistance found in “The Handmaid’s Tale” is the novel “Red Clocks” by Leni Zumas. The story is set in a near-future version of the United States where abortion is prohibited, in-vitro fertilization is not allowed, and the Personhood Amendment bestows rights of life, freedom, and possession to every embryo. The plot describes the stories of four women as they navigate the oppressive laws and restrictions placed upon them by the government, echoing the themes of personal autonomy and societal control present in Atwood’s work (Zumas, 2018).

References

Atwood, M. (2016). The Handmaid’s Tale. Random House.

Jackson, S. (1988). The Lottery. Robinson.

Zumas, L. (2018). Red Clocks. Little, Brown.

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StudyCorgi. (2025) 'Struggle for Autonomy in Jackson’s The Lottery, Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and Zumas’ Red Clocks'. 1 June.

1. StudyCorgi. "Struggle for Autonomy in Jackson’s The Lottery, Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and Zumas’ Red Clocks." June 1, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/struggle-for-autonomy-in-jacksons-the-lottery-atwoods-the-handmaids-tale-and-zumas-red-clocks/.

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StudyCorgi. "Struggle for Autonomy in Jackson’s The Lottery, Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and Zumas’ Red Clocks." June 1, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/struggle-for-autonomy-in-jacksons-the-lottery-atwoods-the-handmaids-tale-and-zumas-red-clocks/.

References

StudyCorgi. 2025. "Struggle for Autonomy in Jackson’s The Lottery, Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and Zumas’ Red Clocks." June 1, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/struggle-for-autonomy-in-jacksons-the-lottery-atwoods-the-handmaids-tale-and-zumas-red-clocks/.

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