In "The Handmaid's Tale," the author Margaret Atwood explores themes of societal oppression and the marginalized role of women. A notable quote reflects a bleak perspective on women's abilities, presented as a joke. The speaker implies that women cannot grasp simple mathematical concepts, suggesting that their understanding is limited and fragmented. This statement serves as a larger commentary on the devaluation of women's intellect within a patriarchal society.

When probed for clarification, the speaker reveals a disturbing truth about his viewpoint, indicating that women perceive reality in a way that does not conform to logical reasoning. This exchange highlights the systemic misogyny that characters face throughout the narrative. Atwood's work delves into the implications of such beliefs, ultimately critiquing the broader social structures that perpetuate inequality and restrict women's identities and agency.