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Unique Dynamics Toward A Unified Freedom In The Handmaid's Tale

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Sabrina Porco Unique Dynamics Toward a Unified Freedom in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. “No two persons ever read the same book.” (https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/quotes-about-different-perspectives) Edmund Wilson captures the essence of human interpretations and actions, showing how one’s experience may be similar to another but it is the way of the mind that differentiates the outcome it is viewed. In Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, this idea is presented within the characters of Offred and Moira. Collectively, they inhibit the oppressive world of Gilead and endure the horrific acts of the regime. Both women exemplify the true struggle for freedom in a society where women are stripped of their rights …show more content…

Offred’s secreted formation of comfort-filled relationships with others she is prohibited from being with, as per Gildead's rules, showcases her nuanced challenge against the control enforced against her autonomy. Whilst being in the presence of Nick, Offred proclaims, Being here with him is safe; it's a cave, where we huddle together while the storm goes on outside. This is a delusion, of course. This room is one of the most dangerous places I could be in. If I were caught there would be no quarter, but I'm beyond caring. Atwood: In her declaration, she acknowledges the inherent danger of their connection within their society, though shows to be careless. Despite this risk, Offred continues to prioritize human connection over the strict rules forced upon her. Offred knows that this provides her comfort amidst the detrimental circumstances outside of Nick's room, therefore risks it for that. This moment underlines the complexities of Offreds navigation to reclaiming agency, as well as, her maintenance of resilience amidst the heavy oppression she faces. Further, Offred's unpretentious rebellion through acts of defiance by stealing forbidden items serves as her way of stealing back her freedom from the oppressive regime. During her time in the sitting room, …show more content…

Firstly, Offred's inner reflections on her past life from the disparity between her former freedoms and her current restrictive reality, attest to her resilience in handling the oppressive regime. Alone in her room, Offred’s mind starts to reminisce about her old life, stating “I want Luke here so badly. I want to be held and told my name. I want to be valued, in ways that I am not; I want to be more than valuable” It is evident that Offred misses her past life, situations and relationships, particularly her moments with Luke. These thoughts further encapsulate the emotional toll of Offred living under Gilead's regime, as she is aware she is not seen with value. Although, despite these poignant affects upon her, Offred's ability to reflect on her past in a facilitative form among dehumanizing conditions showcases her inner strength and resilience, accentuating the depth of Offred's capability to resist for her freedom. Furthermore, Offred’s hidden composure against forced procedures showcases her determination to defy and overthrow the Gilead forces which work to dehumanize her. Throughout her ceremony with the commander, Offred attempts to mask the brutal occurrence, voicing “Therefore I lie still and picture the unseen

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Just like Hamlet, Offred was also unable to trust anyone other than her best friend, Moira because of the situation she was placed in. Since Offred was a handmaid nearly all of her human rights were taken away, because of this she was unable to build relationships of trust with other people. She had lost all connections with people she loved, with the exception of Moira. Gilead, a world where all the citizens are obligated to obey those in power, none of the people had any meaningful relationships such as friendship or companionship. As shown by Offred 's statement: "We aren 't supposed to form friendships, loyalties, among one another" (Atwood 353), people were expected to not create new relationships.

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The author also uses rhetorical questions such as “Why tempt her to friendship?” to emphasize the lack of even the possibility of a meaningful connection between Offred and the Marthas. This use of figurative language highlights the inescapable suffering and isolation that Offred encounters while interacting with others, and achieves a hollow, detached tone. In factual recollections of the events occurring, diction and syntax are also crucial in the construction of this isolated, resigned tone While describing exchanges between herself and the rest of the household, Offred uses short, precise sentences, void of intricate words or complex structure.

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I want to be here, with Nick, where I can get at him” (Atwood 338). This demonstrates how tangled her feelings are and the true internal conflict she faces. Deciding between Nick and Luke deeply conflicts Offred, however it allows her to move on from her past with Luke and move forward potentially with Nick. Throughout the novel, Offred’s inner thoughts about Gilead go back and forth from rebelling against society and giving in to the society. At a low point for Offred, she thinks, “I used to think of my body as an instrument, of pleasure, or a means of transportation, or an implement for the accomplishment of my will…..

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