Handmaid's Tale Conformity

Margaret Atwood's novel The Handmaid's Tale explores the themes of resistance and conformity through Offred’s perspective, a handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. The Republic of Gilead is a totalitarian regime that subjugates women to a life of servitude. Atwood depicts the themes of both resistance and conformity through different depictions of characters seen throughout the novel, such as Aunt Lydia’s conformity as opposed to Moira’s evident efforts to resist. These themes emphasize the importance of individual resistance and the dangers of blind conformity. As the novel progresses, Offred grapples with the tensions between conformity and rebellion and the decisions she must make to protect herself.
Throughout the novel, Offred's experiences

Indeed, Offred seems to recognize that, individually, she lacks the strength to oppose the powerful state of Gilead. However, through seemingly small acts of resistance, Offred demonstrates that she, and others in her position, can confront the state of Gilead. The protagonist’s defiance serves as a personal reminder that there can be dignity in the human condition and that there may be a path back to a more just society. In one instance, Offred confronts the indoctrination she is subjected to during her training to become a handmaid, stating, "I keep on going with this sad and hungry and sordid, this limping and mutilated story because after all I want you to hear it" (Atwood, 35). By sharing her story, Offred is resisting the regime's attempts to silence and dehumanize her. She feels that silence would legitimize Gilead’s policies. By telling the story, not only can Offred perhaps hope to spark a revolution; she can ensure future generations appreciate the importance of the fight for freedom.

A key example in which the novel illustrates this link is through the character of Offred herself. Offred’s role as a handmaid in Gilead, subjects her to being both a victim of the regime as well as a tool for the oppressor. Her life is governed by the rigid orders of the new society, and she is constantly monitored and controlled by those in power. Despite this, Offred is not a passive victim, when opportunities for resistance or non-conformist behaviour present themselves, she takes advantage. Her personal acts of rebellion include her secret meetings with Nick and even something as small as the admiration of her memories of life before Gilead, memories which Gilead is continuously trying to erase. This strain between resistance and conformity is reflected in the larger society as well. The regime is characterized by its extreme conformity, with all aspects of life controlled and regulated by those in power, where those who resist are punished severely. However, despite the dangers, there are still those who challenge the regime. Atwood’s portrayal of Moira is a key example of this. Initially, Moira is seen as a symbol of resistance against the regime's attempts to control her. This is demonstrated by her attempted escape from the Red Center, where she and Offred were trained to become handmaids. Although she