The Symbolism of Protest in Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale

The sight of women dressed in red, protesting against government control of reproductive rights, is a familiar image in today's world. This powerful symbol is closely associated with Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel, The Handmaid's Tale, which continues to captivate readers and spark discussions about gender inequality and autonomy. From Argentina to the US, the UK, and Ireland, this symbolic attire has become a representation of the ongoing struggle for equality and autonomy.

The Handmaid's Tale explores themes of patriarchy, reproduction, power, complacency, and retaliation through the eyes of the protagonist and narrator, Offred. As she navigates her daily life as a "Handmaid" in the Republic of Gilead, readers are drawn into a chilling world where a theocratic and totalitarian government reigns.

The Handmaid's Tale: An Overview

The story is set in the ruins of America, where a new government, known as the Republic of Gilead, has taken control. Offred, the narrator and Handmaid, is tasked with the role of repopulating the country by having ceremonious intercourse with the ruling class of men, known as the "Commanders". Through her daily routines and memories, readers are gradually introduced to the restrictions and consequences of living in this dystopian society.

The Book's Structure and Narrative

The Handmaid's Tale is divided into 46 chapters and 15 sections, with historical notes concluding the text. Each section contains multiple chapters, shifting between night and day, and providing a mix of introspection and recounting of daily events. The novel has a singular narrator until the historical notes, where the narrative is taken over by professors analyzing Offred's story. The non-linear structure, with breaks in the chronological retelling of events, is due to the fact that Offred's narrative is written or recorded in retrospect on cassette tapes.

Section Summaries

Let's take a closer look at each section of the novel.

• Night (chapter 1) - The narrator shares her memories of the beginning of her life in Gilead and describes the strict and oppressive surroundings she lives in.
• Shopping (chapters 2-6) - Offred prepares for her shopping trip, reflecting on her Commander's Wife, Serena Joy, and encountering her shopping partner, Ofglen. While out, she recognizes a pregnant Handmaid and passes by the Wall, where the bodies of criminals are displayed as a warning.
• Night (chapter 7) - Back at home, Offred continues to reflect on her memories and addresses the fact that she is recording her story, despite not having a readership.
• Waiting Room (chapters 8-12) - On another shopping trip, Offred learns of a resistance group from Ofglen and returns home to find her Commander waiting in her room. She discovers an inscription left by the previous Handmaid and prepares for the "Ceremony", where she will be forced to have sex with the Commander.
• Nap (chapter 13) - To pass the time, Offred recalls her time at the Red Centre and dreams of her former husband and daughter, whom she attempted to escape Gilead with.

As Offred's story unfolds, readers are taken on a dark and thought-provoking journey through a world that, while fictional, reflects many of the struggles and issues that continue to impact our society today. The Handmaid's Tale serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting for equality and the dangers of complacency in the face of oppressive regimes.

Experience Life in Gilead: Household (Chapters 14-17)

The narrator, known as Offred, nervously awaits the arrival of the members of the household in the living room. As she reflects on names, she shares her own. The radio is switched on, and she reminisces about her daughter and her partner, Luke. Finally, the Commander appears and reads the biblical tale of Rachel and Leah. As the household prays, Offred quietly whispers the phrase "nolite te carborundorum est".

The Ceremony begins, and Offred dissociates as the Commander forces himself on her. Later, she sneaks downstairs in defiance, but is caught by Nick, who informs her that the Commander wishes to speak to her.

A Restless Night: Night (Chapter 18)

After the encounter with the Commander, Offred's mind is consumed with nerves, making sleep impossible. She thinks of Luke and wonders about his current fate.

The Complexities of Agency in "The Handmaid's Tale"

In Chapters 19-23 of Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale", Offred faces a challenging birth as she joins other Handmaids on the Birthmobile. Filled with both excitement and fear, she recites passages from the Bible during her delivery. This reminds her of a video from the Red Centre featuring her protesting mother. The birthing ceremony for Janine's child further reveals the oppressive control of Gilead.Exhausted and emotionally numb, Offred returns from the birth and begins to fantasize about her friend Moira's escape. Alongside this, Offred reveals her first night with the Commander, which involved a game of Scrabble and an unexpected kiss.In Chapter 24, Offred realizes that her situation has changed, leading to hysterical laughter. She reflects on the Latin phrase scribbled in the cupboard and its meaning, exposing her loss of control.Offred's complicity is further explored in Chapters 25-29 as she continues to meet with the Commander, who gifts her a magazine and moisturizer. However, this new relationship only makes the Ceremony more difficult for Offred. While out shopping with Ofglen, they witness a man being taken away and engage in conversation. This brings back memories of the coup that altered her dynamic with her husband Luke.During her next visit with the Commander, Offred asks about the meaning of the Latin phrase "nolite te carborundorum est." The Commander reveals it to be a schoolboy joke meaning "don't let the bastards grind you down."Offred recalls the night before her attempted escape in Chapter 30 and the difficult decision she had to make - killing their cat to cover their tracks. As she worries about her memories fading, she prays a parody of the Lord's Prayer.In Chapters 31-39, Offred and Ofglen pass by the Wall again, discussing resistance and the code word "mayday". When Serena summons Offred and suggests that Nick could be an alternative for her to get pregnant, Offred's sense of agency is further challenged. That night, she visits the Commander, and they discuss Gilead's regime.At a Women's Salvaging in Chapter 40, Offred becomes aware of her complicity in the execution of two Handmaids and a wife. This highlights the control that Gilead holds over its citizens and Offred's loss of resistance.Offred's encounter with Moira at Jezebel's in Chapters 41-45 brings back memories of her past, leading her to feel self-conscious about her attire and makeup. However, she joins the Commander on the bed. This further showcases how her agency has been stripped away in this oppressive society.As Offred is escorted by Serena to Nick's in Chapter 40, their encounter has multiple versions, leaving Offred feeling self-conscious about her narration and loss of resistance.The theme of complicity is prevalent throughout "The Handmaid's Tale" as Offred and other characters grapple with their roles in an oppressive regime. This highlights the complexities of agency and control in a dystopian society where women are solely used for reproduction.

Offred, the protagonist of "The Handmaid's Tale", finds herself entangled in a rebellious act called "Particulation" where handmaids are responsible for the murder of a man accused of rape. This event leads Offred to discover that her shopping partner, Ofglen, is actually a part of the resistance, which ultimately leads to Offred's involvement in the dangerous underground movement.

Despite the fear and consequences that come with resisting the regime, Offred continues to fight back, even when she learns that her friend Ofglen has been replaced with a new handmaid. This new Ofglen reveals the heartbreaking news that the original Ofglen had taken her own life before being captured by Gilead. This revelation leaves Offred in a state of paranoia and fear as she questions whether or not she should fully surrender to the oppressive regime.

As the story progresses, Offred's affair with the Commander is discovered by his wife, Serena Joy. This only further amplifies the theme of complicity as Offred faces the consequences of her actions.

Offred's Fate and the Importance of Historical Notes

Offred's story concludes in the final chapter when she awaits her impending death, seemingly accepting her fate. However, she is unexpectedly rescued by Nick, who reveals that it is May Day, the day of rebellion against Gilead. Offred's narrative ends as she enters a black van, leaving her ultimate fate unknown.

The Significance of the Historical Notes

The novel's ending is further elaborated on in the historical notes, written by Professor Pieixoto. He discusses the fall of Gilead and the unknown fate of Offred, leaving the ending with both positive and negative implications.

Exploring the Characters in "The Handmaid's Tale"

The novel's protagonist, Offred, is only referred to by her designated name in Gilead. However, there are theories that her name may be June, as it is the only name of a handmaid that Offred doesn't mention again.

The Commander, a high-ranking member of the Gileadean elite, breaks the rules he helped establish.

The Commander's wife, Serena Joy (also known as Pam), is a famous gospel singer from before Gilead. She is possessive and resentful of handmaids for their reproductive role.

Offred's friend and idol, Moira, escapes the Red Centre but is later crushed by Gilead.

Aunt Lydia, one of the Aunts responsible for training handmaids at the Red Centre, is despised by Offred and others for her cruel treatment.

Ofglen, Offred's shopping partner who is initially thought to be devout, is later revealed to be part of the resistance and ultimately takes her own life to avoid capture.

Janine (also known as Ofwarren), another handmaid, appears to conform to Gilead's regime despite her suffering.

Nick, the driver at the household where Offred works, develops a deeper relationship with her as the novel progresses.

Offred's family from before Gilead, Luke and their daughter, fate remains unknown to her.

In concluding, "The Handmaid's Tale" explores the theme of complicity in a dystopian world where power dynamics and control are oppressive. The characters' actions and relationships further highlight this theme, leaving the reader with a thought-provoking and ambiguous ending.

The Complex Relationships of "The Handmaid's Tale"

Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" explores the complex relationships that develop in a world where women are reduced to their reproductive abilities in the oppressive regime of Gilead. One of the main relationships that the novel delves into is that of Offred and her husband, Luke.

Luke, who was already married when he met Offred, causes their relationship to be forbidden by Gilead's strict rules. The couple dreams of escaping Gilead with their daughter, but they soon realize that remarriage is not allowed and they would likely be separated anyways.

The Marthas: Rita and Cora

Rita and Cora, also known as the Marthas in Offred's household, fulfill servant duties as required by the regime. The name "Martha" comes from the biblical story of Mary and Martha, sisters who served and worked while Jesus visited them. Rita is often portrayed as aggressive and frustrated, while Cora maintains a sense of hope, especially with a child in the household.

Offred's Complex Relationship with Her Mother

Offred's mother spent most of her life protesting during the second wave of feminism, causing Offred to have conflicting feelings towards her.

The Handmaid's Tale: Exploring Gender and Class Divides in a Dystopian Society

In 1985, Margaret Atwood penned The Handmaid's Tale, a powerful and thought-provoking novel that delves into a society ruled by extreme religious beliefs and rigid gender roles. Inspired by historical regimes, such as the puritan community of early New England, the novel follows the journey of Offred, a Handmaid in the oppressive society of Gilead, as she struggles to come to terms with her place in a world where women are objectified and controlled by those in power. Let's delve deeper into the themes and messages conveyed in this iconic work of fiction.

The Narrator and the Society of Gilead

Offred, whose real name remains a mystery, serves as the narrator of the story, providing a glimpse into a world where women are reduced to their fertility and are assigned to specific roles based on their ability to bear children. Set in a near-future society, Gilead is a theocratic regime that maintains its hold through strict control and fear. Women are divided into classes, with the Commanders and their Wives at the top, and the Marthas, Handmaids, and Econowives at the bottom.

The Battle of Ideas: Patriarchy vs. Matriarchy

Some critics view The Handmaid's Tale as a battle between the ideas of patriarchy and matriarchy. Offred's story sheds light on the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society, where their identity and voice are stripped away. However, there are also glimpses of potential for women to rise and take control, as seen in the underground movement of Mayday. This ongoing battle between traditional gender roles and the potential for a reversal of power dynamics is a key theme in the novel.

The Impact of Offred's Narrative

Offred's voice and perspective are crucial in understanding the society of Gilead and the struggles faced by its female inhabitants. However, her reliability as a narrator is called into question by Professor James Darcy Pieixoto, who dismisses her story as untrustworthy. This further highlights the theme of control and manipulation within the narrative, as well as the danger of a single individual controlling the interpretation of history.

Powerful Quotes from "The Handmaid's Tale"

"My name isn't Offred, I have another name, which nobody uses now because it's forbidden."
Offred's realization of losing her identity highlights the dehumanization and loss of individuality faced by the women in Gilead.

"Mother, I think. Wherever you may be. Can you hear me? 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."
Offred's emotional plea to her mother highlights the irony and cruelty in how women continue to mistreat each other, despite fighting for a women-centric society.

"We are two-legged wombs, that's all: sacred vessels, ambulatory chalices."
Offred's words poignantly convey the objectification and reduction of women to mere vessels for procreation in Gilead's society.

"There is something subversive about this garden of Serena's, a sense of buried things bursting upwards, wordlessly, into the light, as if to point, to say: Whatever is silenced will clamor to be heard, though silently."
Offred's insightful observation of the flowers in Serena Joy's garden reflects the silenced voices of women in the society of Gilead, who long to be heard and to break free from oppression.

Figure 2. Iris. Source: Capri23auto, pixabay.com.

Critical Discussions Surrounding "The Handmaid's Tale"

Since its publication, "The Handmaid's Tale" has sparked various critical discussions. Some, like Coral Ann Howells and Michele Lacombe, view Offred's narration as a form of rebellion against Gilead's restrictive regime. Others, such as J. Brooks Bouson, argue that her acts of resistance are limited and ineffective compared to the more overt rebellion of the Mayday group.

The novel has also been analyzed through different political lenses, including feminism and Marxism, adding further layers to its complexities and messages.

Take the time to explore these discussions and form your own interpretation of "The Handmaid's Tale."

The Handmaid’s Tale is a novel that has sparked a variety of interpretations, with some viewing it as a commentary on patriarchal oppression and others as a critique of class divisions. One such interpretation, offered by Roohollah Roozbeh, is a Marxist perspective that sheds light on the societal divide within Gilead, where the bourgeoisie takes advantage of and subjugates the working class.

The Novel’s Narrative Structure

The book is divided into alternating chapters between day and night. The nighttime sections delve into Offred’s internal struggles, while the daytime sections focus on the external events that drive the plot forward. This structure allows readers to gain insight into the oppressive world in which Offred lives.

The Ending and the Sequel

The conclusion of the novel is open to interpretation, with Offred’s fate left uncertain as she enters the back of a van potentially tied to the resistance movement within Gilead. However, the epilogue, written as historical notes, reveals the downfall of Gilead, leaving Offred’s ultimate destiny unknown. In 2019, Margaret Atwood released the sequel, The Testaments, which explores the world of Gilead thirty years later.

A Powerful Commentary on Society

The Handmaid’s Tale serves as a poignant and thought-provoking cautionary tale about the dangers of patriarchal and class oppression. Through Offred’s narrative, Atwood presents a stark warning about the consequences of extreme ideologies and control. The novel continues to resonate with readers and remains a relevant and timely commentary on our society today.

Sources:

• 1. Peter Beaumont et al., ‘How The Handmaid’s Tale Dressed Protests across the World’, 2018.
• 2. Carol Ann Howells, ‘Margaret Atwood’, 1996.
• 3. Michele Lacombe, ‘The Writing on the Wall: Amputated Speech in Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale’, 1986.
• 4. J Brooks Bouson, ‘The Critical Insights into Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale’, 2009.
• 5. Roohollah Roozbeh, ‘The Handmaid's Tale: Through the Lens of Marxism’, 2018.