Examples Of Manipulation In The Handmaid's Tale

Literature often plays with the motif of control and how it is maintained. One prime example is Margaret Atwood’s novel, The Handmaid’s Tale. Atwood effectively created the society of Gilead and its unique control system. Through this, the novel can be explored based on how power and control are upheld. Atwood uses the literary device of repetition throughout her novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, to suggest that power in Gilead is maintained through the use of psychological manipulation. This is shown through the recurrence of the character Moira in Offred’s life and the returning motif of a sense of normalcy. The concept of characters being manipulated is prevalent throughout the entire novel. The most notable example is the Aunts in the Red Center.

This theme of psychological manipulation is illuminated in the character of Moira. Moira was Offred’s friend from college, and they ended up at the Red Center together. After she escapes, she is described as a “loose woman” by Offred (133). A “loose woman” is typically a term used to describe a sexually promiscuous woman. This directly contradicts the ideals of fundamentalism that the Aunts are trying to push on the Handmaids. Moira is used by Atwood as an opposition to the manipulative practices the Aunts use to control the Handmaids. Her being described as “loose” also symbolizes how her escape has set her “loose” or free, thus juxtaposing with how the handmaids are not free and are still controlled. They shared the story of Moira’s escape “from bed to bed,” which insinuates that it is a secret (133). Atwood is clear that sharing it against the rules can make them feel connected and, therefore, easier to manipulate. Furthermore, Offred states, “It makes me feel safer, that Moira is here” (71). The word “safer” hints at security and protection. Ironically, though, it can be assumed, based on what is known about Gilead, that Offred is not

It is arranged for them to meet. It also has a very formal tone. Likewise, it is not frivolous; it is calculated and meticulous. While their arrangement is not “the usual one,” it is usual for Offred (154). It breaks the norms, but it creates its own norms. Atwood suggests that distractions can keep people from seeing the real problem. That is once again a form of psychological manipulation; Offred will think about the bit of relief she will get from the Commander, so she won’t think about how she is being oppressed. Similarly, later, Offred begins a secret sexual relationship with Nick. She did it “for [herself] entirely” (268). Atwood implies that Offred’s relationship with Nick was truly something she desired because the word “entirely” makes it seem like there is no doubt in her mind that she wanted him. Within this society, people have sexual desires that are not being met. However, Offred sleeps with Nick—breaking the rules—and fulfilling her sexual desires, thus deviating from the norm, and she gets some sort of joy in this messed-up society. This can be seen in the quote,“Humanity is so adaptable, [.] truly amazing, what people can get used to, so long as there are few compensations”