In the 1900s, women only had two roles; raise children and not get involved in male-dominated industries. It wasn't until 1920 that Congress ratified women's right to vote after an intensive boycott and many deaths due to their dogged determination. Even so, the reshaped perspective of women as workers and passionate participants in politics will never reach the standards of gender equality championed by men. Although most cultures today accept women as prominent members of society, discrimination dates back to ancient Greece in epics such as the Odyssey, a glorified tale of a journey into the depths of hell and unconscious damsels in distress. However, the public would never see poor women condemned to lives of sexual and verbal abuse and unfair and harmful treatment because of their social class and gender. Nevertheless, Margaret Atwood takes into account the second perspective of the prejudiced lower classes by extracting the function of the Chorus to edify the audience about the suffering of the lower classes. In order for the audience to gain a sense of compassion and respect for the victims, Atwood uses the traditional Greek chorus to argue that because the upper class selfishly values ​​its reputation rather than helping those less fortunate, people often show of discrimination against those who do harm. their ego and status. Atwood uses the refrain by bridging the gap between the plot and the audience to catch them between two opposing forces; suffering due to prejudice and lack of compassion on the part of the upper class and selfish valuing of reputation. Atwood uses Penelope's selfish side by giving insight into the lives of the Handmaids and hoping that the audience will gain respect for them. When the maid's dealings with the suitors...... middle of paper ...... op the chorus' important role in edifying the audience of the truth behind the lavish lives of the upper class, but also seeks to engrave compassion for those less fortunate. Throughout the Penelopiad, Atwood largely conveys the Chorus' depressing view of their lives and how a selfish, reputation-conscious society discriminates against those who are less privileged. However, Atwood never explains why it is important for the audience to recognize this. When humans discriminate, social exclusivity is created, which causes others to feel alienated, disconnected, and cut off from others, resulting in low self-esteem and loneliness. Atwood uses the universal theme that discrimination is wrong because humans need to feel a sense of belonging for culture and race to flourish. People are more likely to accept when they are loved and accepted.