Handmaid's Tale (pg. 307)

16. “Our big mistake was teaching them how to read. We won’t do that again.” (Page 307):

This passage is taken from the historical notes, which serves as an afterward. Atwood once again addresses the idea that reading serves as a control in a dystopian state. Reading gives you access to power and knowledge. When you limit knowledge, you will have control. According to Socyberty, totalitarian governments often come to power through tactics such as "propaganda, indoctrination, and censorship." Atwood embraces this control throughout the novel. The control over reading and knowledge is an example of the censorship seen in a totalitarian government.

"The Rise of Totalitarian Governments | Socyberty." Socyberty | Society on the Web. Web. 03 June 2010. http://socyberty.com/history/the-rise-of-totalitarian-governments/.