Compliance And Rebellion In The Handmaid's Tale

One of the major questions in life is whether to comply with the governing legislature, or rebel against it. This is debated in the novel The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood, illustrating the pros and cons to both compliance and rebellion. Ultimately, the novel ends with Offred, the protagonist, saying, “And so I step [up into van], into the darkness within, or else the light” (295). This van either will take her to freedom or to a prison. It is left for the readers to make the ultimate decision whether entering the van is an act of compliance with the government of Gilead, or a last attempt at rebellion. After all, Offred could have committed suicide before entering the van, thus escaping whatever fate lies within. Atwood leaves the novel with no conclusion drawn by Offred.Thus, The Handmaid’s

The Handmaids are taught to be grateful for what they have, and not long for more. This theory is proven when Offred says, “If I have an egg, what more could I want?” (111). Offred’s satisfaction with a single egg shows that the regime has been effective in making the handmaids grateful for their minimalistic lifestyle, instead of jealous of a more luxurious one. Furthermore, her basic needs (food, water, shelter, etc) are met by those who control her, as she is given meals and a house. Not only is compliance practically beneficial, but spiritually as well. The epigraph of The Handmaid’s Tale outlines this, saying, “And [Rachel] said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her” (Genesis 30:3). The epigraph of the novel shows the religious basis for the Handmaids. By being a handmaid, the women are religiously and spiritually fulfilled. Furthermore, the religious aspect of the Handmaid’s prevent rebellion, as it would be considered sacrilegious. Thus, complying with the role of Handmaid, although unfair, would fulfill the needs of