A man is just a woman's strategy for making other women. Not that your father wasn't a nice guy and all, but... there's something missing in them, even the nice ones. It's like they're permanently absent-minded, like they can't quite remember who they are. They look at the sky too much. They lose touch with their feet. They aren't a patch on a woman except they're better at fixing cars and playing football, just what we need for the improvement of the human race, right?
The quote from Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" reflects a critical perspective on men, suggesting that they serve primarily as a means for women to reproduce and continue their lineage. It acknowledges that while some men may possess good qualities, there remains an inherent lack or absence in them, making them seem disconnected from themselves and their surroundings. This idea hints at a broader commentary on gender roles and the dynamics between men and women in society.
The characterization of men as absent-minded, overly dreamy, and limited in their emotional depth highlights a perceived deficiency in their contributions to human advancement. Atwood implies that while men may excel in practical skills like fixing cars or playing sports, these abilities are trivial compared to the potential women possess. This viewpoint challenges traditional notions of masculinity and promotes a dialogue about the value of different qualities that both genders bring to the table.
