Symbolism is used to represent a specific theme used throughout a novel. One symbol that is displayed throughout the novel The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood, is flowers. Flowers are often acknowledged as symbols of beauty and fertility; however, Atwood uses flowers to convey the emotions and feelings of her characters. Tulips, lilies, and irises, are all flowers that symbolize the relationship between the Handmaids and the Wives.
On certain plants, the flower acts as the reproductive organ, which correlates to fertility within the novel. Most women lack the ability to reproduce, and in this case, the flower is a reminder of their infertility. Due to this inconvenience, The Republic of Gilead, the government, has subjected the Handmaids to sexual slavery to produce children for the Wives. The Handmaids are beautiful women able to create children who act as obstacles for the Wives. A feeling of envy envelops the Wives and makes them wish they were able to reproduce the way the Handmaids do. “Many of the Wives have such gardens, it's something for them to order and maintain and care for,” and it makes them feel empowered (12). The Wives use their gardens to remind them of their forgotten beauty and fertility.
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In her room, “On the wall above the chair, a picture, framed but with no glass: a print of flowers, blue irises, watercolor” (7). Blue irises symbolize the faith and hope Offred feels toward freedom. Also, in the Commander’s bedroom, on the large white canopy rest four silver flowers. These silver flowers could represent the Handmaids only task, reproduction. Reproduction is Offred’s only way of ensuring her safety in the city of