In "The Handmaid's Tale," Margaret Atwood explores a dystopian society where traditional gender roles are brutally enforced. The protagonist reflects on the term "sterile," realizing that it carries significant implications. In this world, men are not labeled as infertile; instead, the focus is solely on women's ability to bear children, creating an oppressive narrative that defines women's worth through their fertility.

This stark differentiation highlights the societal oppression of women, reducing their identities to mere reproductive capabilities. As the protagonist recognizes the weight of the word "sterile," it symbolizes the loss of individuality and autonomy in a regime that does not acknowledge men's potential infertility, illustrating the skewed power dynamics in their world.