In "The Handmaid's Tale," Margaret Atwood explores the theme of women's self-control in the context of systemic oppression. The narrative suggests that effectively controlling women for reproductive and societal purposes often involves manipulation from within their own ranks. This internalized control is underscored by historical examples where colonized people were governed by their own community members, highlighting a disturbing trend in which societal norms perpetuate subjugation.

Atwood illustrates how patriarchal regimes leverage women to enforce compliance, making them complicit in their own oppression. This dynamic not only reflects on the historical precedents of power but also critiques the roles women are assigned within oppressive systems. Through this lens, the book raises questions about autonomy, agency, and the moral complexities of self-regulation in the face of external control.