The Handmaid’s Tale Example #2 Essay Example

remnants of the old world. The authorities have replaced her real name with Offred, and she is not allowed to use it, symbolizing her loss of identity and the imposition of a new one by the state. This naming convention also signifies her defined role in relation to the commander and the patriarchal system, as the prefix 'Of' is followed by his name, indicating her ownership by him.

The state not only strips the Handmaids of their names but also deprives them of their ability to communicate effectively. They are only permitted to speak in predetermined phrases, typically of a religious nature, in order to prevent collusion and the expression of nonconforming thoughts. Women are denied access to knowledge through a lack of reading materials; even shop names are represented by symbols. All books, including the Bible, are forbidden except for those in positions of power who interpret it according to their own wishes.

According to Offred, the Bible can be compared to an incendiary device, implying that if people had access to it, it could cause significant trouble. She also acknowledges that the country's leaders are fabricating aspects of the Bible and admits that there is no way of verifying its accuracy. This suggests that the leaders are using the manipulated text to manipulate and control the citizens. Offred recognizes that restricting knowledge among its citizens plays a crucial role in maintaining the Totalitarian regime in Gilead. She remarks that having knowledge is tempting and that not knowing prevents temptation.

The protagonist of the story belongs to a transitional generation and carries knowledge from the past that requires her to exercise control, utilizing fear as a means.

This aspect serves as a cautionary message for future generations. The people living in Gilead are subdued through fear, and any deviation from the norm leads to punishment by hanging on The Wall, thereby serving as a deterrent. The Wall is depicted in a menacing and threatening manner, notably with the inclusion of "ugly new floodlights," "barbed wire," and "broken glass set in concrete," establishing an oppressive atmosphere.

Offred finds the depiction of the prisoners hanging on the wall particularly unsettling. She describes them as resembling snowmen with coal eyes and carrot noses, or like dolls without faces. This childlike imagery helps Offred make sense of the disturbing sight. The women are forced to witness these executions, referred to as "salvaging," which is ironic because the term contradicts the act itself. This is another method of instilling fear and maintaining control over them.

The 'particution' is a violent practice where Handmaid's gather in a circle around a former Guardian and alleged rapist, and brutally attack him until he dies, despite his protests of innocence. The Handmaids are compared to a 'crowd at a rock concert', implying that they are loud and uncontrollable. Offred disturbingly remarks that 'we are allowed to do anything and this is freedom', suggesting that their sadistic pleasure allows them to be further controlled by the state. Later, Offred is informed by Ofglen that 'he was not a rapist at all, he was a political'.

Within Gilead, violent practices are necessary for maintaining order, as Aunt Lydia remarks to Offred following Moira's assault, 'For our purposes, your feet and your hands are not essential', indicating the sacrifice of individual rights and identities for the regime.

This oppressive environment contrasts starkly with the old world, as depicted in frequent flashbacks to Offred's former life and her family. The fragmented narrative and non-chronological structure effectively convey her state of confusion and uncertainty. Nevertheless, it becomes clear that the old world will not always be remembered, as Aunt Lydia declares, 'Ordinary is what you are used to.

This may not seem ordinary to you now, but eventually it will become ordinary. The new world is further contrasted when Offred encounters Japanese tourists wearing skirts that she considers short, even though they reach just below their knee. This shocks her, highlighting the significant impact that the regime has had.

Offred reflects on her past with a sense of longing, saying "I used to dress like that. That was freedom." She further expresses how quickly society's mindset can shift, stating "It has taken so little time to change our minds about things like this." This serves as a disturbing warning to the reader, suggesting that they too could become desensitized to the loss of fundamental rights. Meanwhile, at the Red Centre, the other Handmaids attribute blame to Janine for her gang rape, pregnancy, and subsequent abortion, chanting "Her fault! Her fault!" This serves as evidence of the Handmaids' altered moral values.

One of the most disturbing instances of oppression in the novel occurs when Offred engages in sexual activity with the commander while being watched by Serena Joy, with the purpose of producing children for them. Offred manages to endure this traumatizing event by emotionally disconnecting herself from it, declaring that she must distance herself and recount the experience. She refers to the sexual activity as 'the

ceremony', 'the process', and 'f***ing', indicating her attempt to separate herself from the ordeal. Additionally, she emphasizes that what the commander is doing is not an act of love, and it cannot be classified as rape.

Both kissing and Offred's response to it demonstrate the detachment of emotions. Offred wishes her partner would hurry up, making the situation bearable. However, Serena Joy becomes distant towards Offred afterwards, ordering her to leave without giving her the recommended resting time. This leads Offred to question whether it is worse for Serena Joy or herself. This degrading and inhumane experience highlights the lack of choice and rights for Offred, causing her to hate her body. She confesses that she doesn't want to look at something that defines her so completely. These limited freedoms show that the citizens of Gilead have few options, but they do help make their lives bearable.

Offred reflects on how the Marthas find joy in sharing small pieces of gossip, which fills them with pride. However, her own interactions with the Commander and her connection with Nick have made her complacent to the point of laziness. She acknowledges that she has created a life for herself, but it is not ideal. She remembers her mother's belief that humanity can adapt to any situation. The portrayal of oppression in The Handmaid's Tale shapes the reader's perception of the novel by depicting the potential consequences of embracing radical religious ideologies as solutions to societal issues.

In the novel, Atwood condemns misogynistic ideas, religious fanaticism, and the complacency of women who accept oppression as long as they have some form of power or freedom. Offred's mother highlights the ability of

people to adapt to difficult situations when there are certain compensations available. The novel is often seen as a critique of the rise of political and religious conservatism in America during the Raegan era.