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The Handmaid's Tale By Margaret Atwood

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Junie Jolifils Ms.Milliner EES21QH-04 October 18, 2016 Novel Based Essay In the book “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood reveals the life of a Handmaid and women in Gilead. Many people lost their freedom because because the regime was reestablished so it would be less corrupt. Everything changed for women, from the way they dressed to the name they identified as. They have to abide by strict rules and if they could not follow, they were punished. It was a struggle for Offred to live this new life and for many other women. The only thing that was keeping her grounded was her thoughts. She uses descriptive language and her thoughts as an escape from the harsh reality. Offred’s thoughts is the most powerful thing she has. Without her positive thoughts she would have nothing to believe in. The Republic of Gilead has so much control …show more content…

For one, if Offred felt disrespected by a Commander’s Wife she could not do or say anything about it. Aunt Lydia had to help Offred understand where the Wife is coming from and also that talking back was not an option. Atwood declares, “ Aunt Lydia said it was best not to speak unless they asked you a direct question. Try to think of it from their point of view, she said, her hands clasped and wrung together, her nervous pleading smile. It isn’t easy for them” (14). She had to be respectful especially if they were superior to her. Also because her freedom of speech was limited, she and others like her had accepted greetings and responses. For example, “The war is going well I hear” , “Blessed be the fruit”, and “Praise be”. Even if that wasn’t what they actually wanted to say and even if it wasn't true, they had to say it. If they said the wrong thing or spoke their mind they would be punished. Things like this gave the government a lot of people because they controlled what the people say and

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“You wanted a women 's culture. Well, now there is one. It isn’t what you meant, but it exists. Be thankful for small mercies.” (Atwood 124) Offred is looking back on her past life to a story her mother once told her.

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At the same time, the Historical Notes reveal that other records of those who lived in Gilead also exist (346). Though Offred has never participated in a coordinated regime subversive activity, her story, along with those of other survivors, now form a polyphony of resistance. Storytelling in The Handmaid’s Tale performs various functions: it is Offred’s way of resistance, her survival strategy, her intellectual pastime, and a testimony to the future. By telling herself stories she escapes into memories, shape and change her experience, and substitute the lacking communication. She uses storytelling to preserve herself, to validate her existence, to prove her life matters.

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