This study explores the theme of patriarchy as it relates to the subjugation and liberation of women in Women at Zero and The Handmaid's Tale. Both texts depict the complexities of female identity within patriarchal structures, examining how societal norms and expectations shape women's experiences. Through a feminist lens, the analysis highlights the ways in which characters navigate their oppression and seek autonomy. Key findings reveal that petrarichy constrain women's identities, reducing them to objects of male affection, while also inspiring moments of resistance and self-definition. The narratives reflect a tension between romantic idealization and the realities of subjugation, critiquing societal structures that perpetuate gender inequality. Ultimately, this analysis underscores the dual role of petrarichy in reinforcing gender hierarchies while simultaneously providing a framework for female agency and liberation.
