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Betrayal In The Handmaid's Tale

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The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood is an iconic work of dystopian fiction that has been hugely popular since its original publication in 1985. The story follows Offred, a woman whose freedom of choice and identity is taken away by a regime of religious extremists and set in a speculative future where women are been stripped of their basic rights. Atwood creates a tragically intriguing story of love, loss and betrayal. The most heartbreaking of betrayals is found in the relationship between Offred and Nick. Nick's decision to ultimately betray Offred is a reflection of the regime's powerful control, highlighting the injustice of Gilead's creed. By utilizing a combination of direct characterization, imagery and symbolism, Atwood illustrates …show more content…

Nick is a guard at the Red Center, where Offred is held, and he serves as her liaison to the outside world. Through their relationship, Offred is able to gain access to a world beyond the oppressive walls of the Red Center. However, Nick ultimately betrays Offred by aiding the Eyes in capturing her. This betrayal is a major turning point in the novel and is the catalyst for Offred's ultimate escape. It also serves to emphasize the themes of power, control and oppression that are integral to the story. By betraying Offred, Nick demonstrates the power that the regime has over its citizens, and how easily trust and loyalty can be manipulated. Atwood also uses this betrayal to illustrate the lengths that the regime will go to in order to maintain control. Ultimately, Nick's betrayal of Offred serves as a powerful reminder of the oppressive nature of the regime and its ability to manipulate the people it controls. It also serves as an important plot point in the novel and allows Offred to finally escape and reclaim her …show more content…

Nick’s betrayal of Offred is a direct reflection of the oppressive and corrupt Gilead society, in which all individual autonomy is stripped away and freedom, love, and hope all become distant memories. Throughout the novel, Offred is faced with Nick’s constant double-dealing that ultimately leads to her incarceration, and serves to underscore the power imbalance between men and women in Gilead. Nick’s betrayal of Offred is an example of how deeply oppressed individuals can become when faced with an oppressive system. In the end, it is ultimately Offred’s faith and resilience that keep her going and allow her to ultimately survive. As Offred states, “I believe in the resistance, as I must...I will not be hung up though I choose to hang onto a few illusions” (Atwood 806). Offred’s resilience in the face of Nick’s betrayal, and her will to survive, are what set apart “The Handmaid’s Tale” from other dystopian novels and makes it both a timeless and impactful work of

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