Themes in The Handmaid's Tale
Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel "The Handmaid's Tale" is a rich tapestry of themes that resonate deeply with readers. Let's dive into the major themes that permeate this powerful work of literature.
1. Gender Roles and Oppression
At the heart of the novel lies a scathing critique of rigid gender roles and the oppression of women. In Gilead, women are stripped of their rights and reduced to their biological functions.
"We are two-legged wombs, that's all: sacred vessels, ambulatory chalices."Note
The novel explores how society can regress, stripping away hard-won freedoms and reducing women to their reproductive capabilities.
The theme of gender oppression is manifested in various ways:
- Handmaids are valued only for their ability to bear children
- Wives are relegated to domestic duties and denied true power
- Marthas are reduced to household servants
- Unwomen are those who refuse to conform and are sent to the colonies
2. Power and Control
The Gileadean regime maintains its grip through various forms of power and control:
Surveillance
Constant monitoring creates an atmosphere of paranoia and self-censorship.
"The Eyes of God run all over the earth."
Language
By controlling language, the regime shapes thought and limits dissent.
ExampleThe greeting "Under His Eye" reinforces the idea of constant surveillance while invoking religious authority.
Religion
Biblical justifications are used to legitimize the oppressive system.
Common MistakeIt's easy to see the novel as anti-religious, but Atwood is critiquing the misuse of religion for political ends, not religion itself.
3. Identity and Individuality
The loss of identity is a central theme, as the regime strips away personal names, possessions, and freedoms.
"My name isn't Offred, I have another name, which nobody uses now because it's forbidden."
The struggle to maintain one's sense of self in the face of dehumanization is a recurring motif:
- Offred's memories of her past life
- The secret Scrabble games with the Commander
