GENDER STUDIES / ADVANCED AMERICAN LITERARURE
THE HANDMAID’S TALE BLOG
Directions: Choose any two (2) of the following 12 quotations from Margaret Atwood’s The
Handmaid’s Tale and:
- Devote one (1) paragraph to a response to each. You may focus on any aspect of the course you wish – any of the "evil-ations", the motif of resilience, the emerging of the female voice, etc.
- In particular, comment on the degree to which each shows the strength of Offred’s survivor’s spirit.
- Then, read the commentary of your fellow-Gender Studies and respond to any one (1) comment posted by your fellow pioneers regarding quotes other than the two you have selected, thus engaging in virtual conversation.
- Enjoy the magic of watching the virtual conversation grow before your eyes!
1. "Fraternize means to behave like a brother. Luke told me that. He said there was no corresponding word that means to behave like a sister. Sororize, it would have to be. He said. From the Latin. He liked knowing about such details. The derivations of words, curious usages. I used to tease him about being pedantic." (Chapter 2)
2. "This is the heart of Gilead, where the war cannot intrude except on television. Where the edges are we aren’t sure, they vary, according to the attacks and counterattacks; but this is the center, where nothing moves. The Republic of Gilead, aid Aunt Lydia, knows no bounds. Gilead is within " (Chapter 5)
3. "It’s not the husbands you have to watch out for, said Aunt Lydia, it’s the Wives. You must always try to imagine what they must be feeling. Of course they will resent you. It is only natural. Try to feel for them . . . Try to pity them. Forgive them for they know not what they do . . . You must realize that they are defeated women. They have been unable – Here her voice broke off." (Chapter 8)
4. "I am like a child here, there are some things I must not be told. What you don’t know won’t hurt you, was all she (Rita) would say." (Chapter 9)
5. "I cannot avoid seeing, now, the small tattoo on my ankle. Four digits and an eye, a passport in reverse. It’s supposed to guarantee that I will never be able to fade, finally, into another landscape. I am too important, too scarce, for that. I am a national resource." (Chapter 12)
6. "My name isn’t Offred. I have another name, which nobody uses now because it’s forbidden. I tell myself it doesn’t matter, your name is like your telephone number, useful only to others; but what I tell myself is wrong, it does matter. I keep the knowledge of this name like something hidden, some treasure I’ll come up to dig up, one day. I think of this name as buried. This name has an aura around it, like an amulet, some charm that’s survived from an unimaginably distant past." (Chapter 14)
7. "A thing is valued, she (Aunt Lydia) says, only if it is rare and hard to get. We want you to be valued, girls, She is rich in pauses, which she savors, in her mouth. Think of yourselves as pearls. We, sitting in our rows, eyes down, we make her salivate morally. We are hers to define, we must suffer her adjectives . . . I think about pearls. Pearls are congealed oyster spit." (Chapter 19)
8. "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." (Chapter 25)
9. "What the Commander aid is true. One and one and one and one doesn’t equal four. Each one remains unique, there is no way of joining them together. They cannot be exchanged, one for the other. They cannot replace each other. Nick for Luke or Luke for Nick. Should does not apply." Chapter 30)
10. "The moment of betrayal is the worst, the moment that you know beyond any doubt that you’ve been betrayed: that some other human being has wished you that much evil . . . It was like being in an elevator cut loose at the top. Falling, falling, and not knowing when you will hit. (Chapter 30)
11. "There is something powerful in the whispering of obscenities, about those in power. There’s something delightful about it, something naughty, secretive, forbidden, thrilling. It’s like a spell of sorts. It deflates them, reduces them to the common denominator where they can be dealt with . . . It was like a flag waved from a hilltop in rebellion." (Chapter34)
12. "You’ll have to forgive me. I’m a refugee from the past, and like other refugees, I go over the customs and habits of being I’ve left or been forced to leave behind me, and it all seems just as quaint, from here, and I am just as obsessive about it. Like a White Russian drinking tea in Paris, marooned in the twentieth century, I wander back, try to regain those distant pathways; I become too maudlin, lose myself. Weep. Weeping is what it is, not crying. I sit in this chair and ooze like a sponge." (Chapter 35)
Quote 6:
ReplyDeleteI think that this quote reflects the emergence of Offred's voice. She knows that what she tells herself and what she actually feels contradict, exhibiting that she is able to identify her feelings from what society wants her to feel and think. Keeping her name to herself seems like her attempt at keeping a portion of her own identity to herself, untarnished by Gilead and unknown to the unfamiliar people around her. This quote exemplifies her strength in keeping such a valuable part of her hidden from the world in order to protect herself.
I definitely agree with Moira on this quote. By comparing her name to an amulet, Offred certainly depicts how much she values her individuality, identity, and voice. She also displays resilience and a survivor spirit as she holds onto the independent person she once was in the hopes that someday she can unbury her name and become that person again. By keeping her name hidden on the tapes she records, it can also be that Offred is giving a voice to all females in general.
DeleteI definitely agree with you, April, that an individual's name is an integral component of shaping one's identity as a human being on this earth. Rather than viewing her name as trivial in the eyes of herself and others, Offred chooses to hold on to her individuality despite societal norms in Gilead, and views her name as something that is not forgotten over time. In this way, a person's name holds so much value that it can leave a substantial legacy, a fact that Offred believes can prevail in the future of her society.
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ReplyDeleteQuote 7 displays Offred's extreme resilience throughout the work. This quote demonstrates that Offred cannot and will not be molded into Gilead's ideal of a silent, thoughtless, and subservient woman. Although it seems for a brief moment that she may allow Aunt Lydia to "define" her, Offred rebels just by thinking, which exhibits her strong hold on her intelligence while it is being repressed by Gilead's society. Through the quote, it is clear that Offred has a strong will to survive because she sees through the deceptions of Gilead and is able to develop educated, independent thoughts of her own which will keep her from becoming a mindless drone of the government.
I completely agree with your insight, April. Even though it is life-threatening for Offred to commit rebellious acts in the Gilead society, she still has the capability of forming powerful, independent thoughts, which is just as important for her own personal survival. Offred knows that Aunt Lydia only cares about their roles in society as child bearers so she tries to associate those women, including Offred, with something so beautiful as a pearl. With Offred's strong, determined mindset, however, she is able to see the reality of what this society is for her and expresses this thought with the realization that "Pearls are congealed oyster spit."
DeleteI agree with you April. In Gilead, Offred is seen a commodity, and is therefore defined only by if she is "rare and hard to get." Despite the way society views her, Offred is resilient in her mindset. She will not be defined by the mere fact that she can birth children. She will not be objectified into just a walking womb. Offered is able to see past these labels and pride herself on her intelligence and importance as a human being.
DeleteI definitely agree with what you said, April. Offred, in the way society views her, is a number or an object, not even an individual, who can birth children. She does not want to be molded into such a title, and thus rebels with her intelligence. Due to her rebellion and her thoughts, she is able to later identify herself as Offred, an individual rather than just a member of the society.
DeleteI agree with you April. When I first read quote 7, I immediately thought of the disney princess, Mulan. In my opinion, the ideals of resiliency and refusal to conform to society that are portrayed by Mulan are similar, if not exactly the same, to everything you just wrote in regards to Offred. I also agree that the immense strength that Offred beholds throughout this work is portrayed in the quote.
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ReplyDeleteI feel that this quote depicts Offred's feelings of anger toward her mistreatment. Since her mind is so active and her memories of better times are so prominent, she is able to be completely aware of the turmoil she is forced to live in. "The whispering of obscenities", something that may have seemed so small and insignificant in the past became an emblem for freedom for Offred. It became her silent rebellion, her sole method to feel a sense of power, and her way of distancing herself from those who had been hypnotized by the cruel treatment of the Gilead government.
I definitely agree with you Julia. When I first read this quote, I felt the same way in that Offred was trying to hold on to what freedom she had by living off the whispers that made her seem so rebellious. These little glimpses of freedom she worked so hard to attain and keep were what kept her going in her life. She needed to hold on to the past and gain power some other way in such a controlling and demeaning society. Similar to Nora Helmer, Offred is excited about the small victories which she can achieve in order to feel powerful and like an equal in Gilead.
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DeleteI completely agree with this assertation, Julia. You're response is very insightful. I think that it is true, that Offred's small acts of defiance, similar to the narrator in The Yellow Wallpaper, are what inspire her to continue on, in an agonizing environment. By "whispering obscenities" she is able to defy the corrupted system present in Gilead, and express her disapproval. This set her apart from many of the other handmaids, who become captivated by the government. Her refusal to conform to the ideals of society is the first step necessary to overcome the damaged state Gilead is in.
I agree with this response, Julia. I definitely feel that Offred holds a great amount of anger and resentment inside of her regarding the society which she is forced to live in and the rules she must follow. I like where you state that "the whispering of obscenities" becomes an emblem for her freedom and I could not agree more. With this, she was able to create her own little world within the boundaries of her mind where she was free to intellectually explore and grow.
DeleteI definitely agree with your response, Julia. She is marginalized in society and is trying to regain the freedom she was used to having. Offred is "whispering obscenities" as a part of her rebellion to the government which dehumanizes her. This quote reminded me of Nora in A Doll's House because in a similar manner, Nora also secretly defies the source of power that objectifies her, her husband. She takes small actions, such as eating macaroons, to protest and fight for her independence. Just as society treats Offred as a walking uterus because her only purpose is to give birth, Torvald treats Nora as his little doll or pet squirrel.
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ReplyDeleteI think this quote demonstrates the realization of Offred's horrible situation. She says that this was the first time she was able to look and actually face the awful truth of what is actually going on in the Gilead society. Offred knows she cannot avoid this any longer as she is forced to see how she has been commodified and marginalized by the men running this society. Using reverse psychology, Offred tries to tell herself that the men are tattooing and labeling her because she is "too important." She unfortunately tries to make something good out of something evil by proudly proclaiming that she is a "national resource."
I think it is so interesting that you brought up reverse psychology and I completely agree, Allison. I think that concept goes along with the phrase "mind over matter". Offred knows that there is no one else to help her; she must be her own "therapist" and friend. Verbally talking to herself may even give her the illusion there is someone by her side. Since she is all she has, she is left with no other option that to comfort herself, and I think being there for herself is not only satisfying, but might be what saves her.
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ReplyDeleteI think this particular quote remains relevant in any discussion of gender inequality. Aunt Lydia points out that too much emphasis is placed on the men, the husbands. This statement sheds light on the tendency of a society, in Gilead or today, to be male-centric, even when trying to start debate about both genders. Aunt Lydia's warning is also reminiscent of Sethe. Aunt Lydia wants the Handmaids and the readers to understand the oppression of the women, if ever they were to do anything seemingly unthinkable, as Sethe did.
I definitely agree with you, Mary. I also find it extremely important that Aunt Lydia focuses on the women rather than the men because so often in patriarchal societies women's voices are erased, and their feelings are invalidated. By bringing to light the emotions of the Wives the audience is able to feel sympathy for them. What also makes this quote so poignant is that Aunt Lydia is commiserating with these women despite the fact that she is in a different position than they are in. Regardless of their differences, Aunt Lydia is creating a sisterhood amongst all of the women of Gilead, regardless of social standing. This idea of solidarity amongst women is an absolutely essential part of feminism.
DeleteI think what you said about society being male-centric even when one is trying to have a discussion of both genders is very true. In this quote, we see Aunt Lydia place the blame of the faults of society on women. She states that men are not the ones to be watched out for, it’s the women, because they, “know not what they do.” This relates to society being male-centric in that it shifts the placing of blame from men and places it onto women. In the case of the society we see in The Handmaid’s Tale, this is not just; it is men who are blameworthy, as they are the ones who have systematically oppressed women. As we learn in the novel, many of the husbands, such as Commander Fred, were the shapers of the Republic of Gilead. The Wives, “know not what they do” because they have been stripped of their voices and placed in a situation where they have no purposes other than what they are in relation to a man.
DeleteSimilar to Caroline, I believe it's impossible to bring up the discussion of both gender's without at least referencing the male dominance and the misfortune of women. In Gilead, I believe that blame could only be placed on the females alone. The word sterile, a mere fact, when referring to a man, was banned, so, placing any societal blame on him would be unheard of. Women are the voiceless. Women are the body's designated for the use and pleasure of men. They are the easiest target of blame and pity.
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ReplyDeleteI believe that this quote is representative of how men in patriarchal societies attempt to silence women by making them believe that they do not have one another to rely on. Men try to prevent the emergence of female voices by making women feel as if they are alone in the adversity they are facing. After all, the only way in which any social change ever occurs is if their are several people working together to enact revisions, so if women feel isolated, how can anything ever change? The fact that Offred is able to recognize that women are being wronged and that something needs to be adjusted truly exhibits both her intellect and her strength. She is able to realize this even though everyone around her is telling her that no injustices are being committed and everything is fine the way it is.
You are absolutely right Annmarie! If there is no bond between women, only seclusion, how could they have been able to forge an alliance on the consensus of female liberation? The answer: they would not be able to, how convenient for all the men! The bond of sisterhood is one that transcends all other relations. Austen, Morrison, Alcott are just a few authors who stress in importance in sisterly relations. Each time without fail whenever one of their literary characters violated that bond, havoc ensued. The men in this novel have ripped apart that bond, fostering a fear of isolation. Solitude results in the weariness of the soul and a wearied soul can be easily broken.
DeleteI agree with both Annmarie and Eugenia that it is important that there is a strong bond between females. The bond between females is seen as lacking in Gilead when Janine comes into the store while she is pregnant. The women have no positive feelings towards her and, instead, they are angry that she is showing off her pregnancy. Offred also makes a comment that the guards are especially attentive while pregnant handmaids are around because children are extremely rare in Gilead. These pregnant women need to be protected from other women who want a child and would do anything to get one. This goes against everything that we believe in today. Women support each other throughout their lives and they are genuinely happy for each other if one of them gets pregnant. Women should not be threatened by other women for being happy and having something wonderful happen in their lives. Women need to support each other and they need to unite their voices to change the injustices of the world.
DeleteI also agree with Annemarie. In this work there were countless instances in which women were barred from entering into meaningful and healthy relationships with other women while men were given free rein to enter into relationships with other men. Examples of this include in Offred’s daughter being forcibly separated from her mother, thereby destroying the mother-daughter bond that is prevalent and necessary in many lives, the inability of the Handmaids at the center for conversing and the way that the hostile treatment of the Handmaids by the wives was not only allowed but tolerated. By bringing up the exclusion of women in the term “fraternize” Luke is falling into the trap of believing that women cannot form meaningful relationships with other women in the way that men can. This is hurtful when Luke is expressing his ideas to Offred alone, because it causes her to rethink her relationship with Moira, but this idea is more dangerous when held by the large group of power holders in Gilead, the men. By believing that women would not like to socialize with the other women, and therefore taking away their power and right to they are barring the sororal progress that could be achieved by the women. With groups advocating for the return of the women’s rights, lights would have been shed on the injustices, and questions of morality of new turn of society could have been asked in order to help the women once again become part of the civilization. Instead the women were kept separated and isolated in order to ensure that no one became aware.
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ReplyDeleteI find it disturbing that Rita would insinuate that what you don’t know won’t hurt you. Ignorance of oppression does not save you from feeling the repercussions of oppression. Just because some of the handmaids may not be fully cognizant of the oppression they are being subjected to, that does not change the truth that they are in fact being oppressed. Whether they are aware of it or not, the handmaids have been systematically stripped of their fundamental rights as human beings. For Rita to make such a statement, it indicates that she, whether consciously or unconsciously, supports the oppressive regime of Gilead. For Offred to then comment that she is a child in the situation shows that she is aware of the injustice that the Gilead regime has placed on its people. The oppressors mold her, along with all the handmaids, to be like a child; unaware and unquestioning in regard to the world around them. Offred’s consciousness to this fact indicates that she does not have the childish mindset the Gilead regime wants her to have. She is instead aware of the true nature of the regime, and awareness of oppression is the first step to fighting against it.
I agree, Caroline! Rita's belief can be equated with a situation where, for example, a person with a nut allergy unknowingly eats a snack that contains peanuts. The person may not have known about the nuts but he/she still suffered from an allergic reaction. If the women in Gilead choose to turn a blind eye to oppression and imitate the behavior of a child, the Republic of Gilead will never cease to exist, for they will manipulate new generations to believe this oppression cycle is perfectly acceptable. Luckily, as you mentioned, Offred is unique in that she does not allow her brain to be toyed with and recognizes the unethical objectification of Handmaids. The recognition can be the starting point to break the cycle and save future generations.
DeleteI completely agree, Caroline. It is important to realize that some people may not have their eyes opened enough to realize that oppression is alive and among them. Sometimes, it can be hard to see. But with the help of others who are willing to lead the blind into the light, one will be able to see just how oppressed they are. The women of Gilead must work together, as one unit, to stop this oppression. Like you said, Offred sets the perfect example of a leader. She shows the true spirit of someone who is willing to take charge and make important realizations.
DeleteI agree with you, Caroline. This quote reminded me of what Daisy Buchanan said in "The Great Gatsby" about wanting her daughter to be a pretty little fool. Being a fool or ignorant of a situation would not help a person to deal with the situation. Being consciously aware of the oppression allows a person to see what needs to be changed. If ignored, oppression can continue on for generations, hurting society. By being fully aware of this, society can overturn the Gilead society in the future, which happens when the realities are faced.
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ReplyDeleteQuote 8:
ReplyDeleteThis quote exemplifies how the simplest of words can resonate the most powerful meaning. Flowers are normally associated with gender confining feminine characteristics, such as daintiness and fragility. They define women as symbols of peaceful obsequious harmless beings. However, in this instance the flowers are used to transpose the message of defiance to the highest degree. Though a woman’s voice may be silenced, though she may be buried beneath asphyxiating dogmas, her ability to dismantle her oppressor’s hierarchal society is still very much attainable. The removal of a person’s voice will only increase their demands to be heard through other mediums, for the human spirit is resilient. Offred’s capability of making such an observation, when staring at Serena’s garden, indefinitely proves that she has attained her defying spirit. It is almost as if she is foreshadowing her own fate, for she is unsure as to how she will tear apart the patriarchal society she is imprisoned in, but when the moment comes she will exert an unwavering copious amount of insurgency.
I definitely agree with you Evgenia! The more her voice is suppressed, the more she wants it to be heard and the stronger her resilience grows. This also reminds me of how Offred really wanted to see the dandelion. We usually think of dandelions as weeds, rebelling against the garden we are trying to grow. This is just like Offred rebelling against the new regime society is trying to grow. There is also a play on words because society is trying to “weed out” all traces of the old society and take away all the power and strength as women as individuals.
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DeleteEugenia, your insight into Offred's situation is truly powerful and I agree with your sentiments. Even though Offred is forced to give up her basic rights, she still maintains her resiliency, and even portrays defiant behavior through small gestures. I believe that Offred was led to believe that her situation would not become better, so instead she allowed herself small bits of happiness to compensate for the hopelessness that she felt every time she subjected herself to the atrocious mating process between Serena Joy, the Commander, and herself. The dandelion mentioned in the novel could potentially represent Offred’s resiliency, but since we do not know what truly happens to Offred it could also possibly represent an untimely end. A dandelion is fragile and easy to overpower, which is similar to Offred in the male dominated society Gilead. Offred could have very easily been imprisoned in order to prevent further disobedience from other Handmaids, and to frighten those who were considering rebelling to follow the regulations set forth to “protect” them.
DeleteI completely agree with you Eugenia. Your explanation of Offred's display of resilience is on par. When a person is silenced they seek other ways to be heard. The symbolism behind the flower is empowering. For they are mostly seen as a feminine, gentle object, but in The Handmaid's Tale they are strong symbol of women's defiance. Offred's observation of Serena's garden can depict her growing desire to break free from the corrupt society.
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ReplyDeleteI find this quote to be the epitome of the strength of females in overcoming the tendency of males to silence them from communicating their views to the world at large. Similar to Quote 6 when referencing to buried objects, this quote emphasizes that a woman's identity, though left unnoticed, is capable of uprooting itself from the depths of the ground and blooming for the outside world to experience firsthand. Along with other females in her position, Offred showcases extreme resiliency as she notices the difficulty of using her voice in a society that does not permit the freedom of speech for women, and remains steadfast in her belief that she will be heard, regardless of the circumstances. Like a plant's roots buried in the ground, Offred has the ability to grow continuously.
I agree with you Colleen. At first glance you think Offred is simply talking about Serena's garden, but really she is referencing to the bigger picture and the suppression of women in Gilead. As in Quote 11, there is an emergence of the female voice and how no matter what obstacles try to keep it buried, it will always find a way to be heard. It shines some positivity in the situation of Offred, too, and how she still remains hopeful that her circumstances will one day change.
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ReplyDeleteHere I think Offred is being infantilized, which means to be treated as if still an infant or young child. Just because of her position as a Handmaid she is looked down upon, even though this position is one of the only things keeping the human race alive. The Martha’s don’t converse with her as they do to each other and keep quiet regarding the previous Handmaid’s suicide. Offred knows of this treatment and even says that she is a “child here”. They don’t elaborate on the suicide, which happened in Offred’s room. By doing so they are putting her at risk for the same fate and leaving her feeling unenlightened in regards to the Commander. This is often the treatment one would give a child. For example with the loss of a loved one, people are hesitant to tell a child the details or anything at all about the death. Here Rita is the same. She thinks that by keeping quiet she is protecting Offred so that whatever she doesn’t know won’t hurt her. Really, though, since she is also in a position of service as Offred is, she should be supporting her and educating her on the situation so that Offred could avoid a destructive fate.
I agree, Joanna, and also think it is a very interesting comparison with the details of the handmaid’s suicide being left out to Offred, and the hesitance one has in telling a small child that a loved one has passed away. It is a form of protection, but also a display of ignorance. When people withhold information from others, it can also be because the informer does not think the informed holds the mental capacity needed to process what is being said. This is particularly offensive in Offred’s case because she is perfectly capable of hearing the details of the suicide. This display of ignorance on Rita’s part is a blatant exhibition of how the handmaids are viewed in society. They are thought of as dispensable children, who need to be protected in order to keep them in check, but also because they are not at the same level of aptitude as the rest of society, since they are, by default, women.
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ReplyDeleteHere we see the emergence of a female voice, which is Offred’s. Although so contained within her limits as a Handmaid, Offred allows herself, secretly, to whisper vulgar and rude words about the people in power of Gilead. If she said this outside of just a whisper she could be arrested or even killed. If anyone heard her speaking these words, the same would apply. Even though her voice is such a contained and silenced one, Offred still speaks what she believes to be the truth about Gilead. She believes that these people in power are wrong, disagreeing with everything they stand for. By doing this she feels empowered and free, as she felt long before this new world began. There is also the attitude of resilience. Despite her situation and the danger involved in it, Offred doesn’t have as much fear anymore. She allows herself to feel the thrill of speaking down on these higher powers, even if just a whisper, it still puts her at risk. She is done acting as if nothing is wrong as many of the other Handmaid’s do, which is mainly due to her rebellious talks with Ofglen. Speaking these obscenities is also an act of rebellion. She isn’t happy with her life and in a way and feels like by reducing the leaders to equals, she may be able to escape it.
I agree with your insight, Joanna. I admire Offred's small, yet significant, acts of rebellion towards her superiors and the society in itself. Offred is constantly at risk of being killed due to her inability to truly accept her new life. Thee aunts always expressed their concern for the first generation of handmaids since their transformation is very difficult. The remember what life was like before the revolution, so it is far more difficult to willingly sacrifice their freedoms. In whispering words of defiance, Offred is truly able to hold onto her former self. She has not, nor will she, conform to the ways of this new society.
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ReplyDeleteI believe that this quote exemplifies as aspect of the harsh reality of Offred's circumstances and life in the Gilead society. The thoughts, beliefs, or anything else that Offred viewed to be true prior to Gilead is no longer relevant or accurate in this new society. This quote signifies how much society and life in general has completely changed for Offred. Certain aspects of her life must permanently remain in the past, for the remnants of her former life no longer hold value or importance in Gilead. For instance, she cannot just substitute Nick for Luke, as stated in the quote since that would combine her history with the present. Just as her daughter is no longer part of her present, neither is Luke, which is the unfortunate, sad reality that she must come to terms with. I also feel that part of this quote, "Should does not apply," is very relevant to Offred's life because "should" infers a meaning of what is expected or probable. However, as a repressed handmaid in the Gilead world, Offred is not permitted to even have the audacity to think of a hopeful future for herself. She must stay in the present, committed to her duties as a handmaid without looking back in her past nor looking forward to what an optimistic future may hold.
Quotes 5 and 7:
ReplyDeleteIn both quotes 5 and 7 Offred communicates the constant objectification she endures as a member of Gilead. In this corrupted society, she is strictly identified as a possession, who will produce children, rather than a human being. As childbirth became increasingly rare in Gilead, fertile women transformed into a commodity owned by society. In quote 5, Offred expresses she has become a "natural resource" and is viewed as nothing more than the number tattooed on her ankle. This permanent mark on her skin ensures she will forever be indebted to the demands of society and confirms that she will always be identifiable. The clear tones of objectification continue in quote 7, as Aunt Lydia refers to the handmaid's as "valued things" due to their rarity. She then, has the audacity to compare them to pearls, an inanimate item, that is strictly aesthetic and used for show. Offred, who is clearly intelligent, then truly connects the women to the pearls. Similar to how the pearls are the “congealed inside of oyster spirit”, the women become hollow individuals, striped of dignity, moral, and boldness, forced to lead an objectified, unhappy life.
Quote 5:
ReplyDeleteThis quote shows the marginalization and the objectification of women in Gilead. When Offred mentions the small tattoo and that she is a “natural resource”, it is similar to how Jews received tattoos during the Holocaust. The tattoos were used to identify people in the camps. This is similar to how Offred is identified as a handmaid by the small tattoo on her ankle. Offred’s tattoo also prevents her from leaving Gilead which is similar to how the Jews were not permitted to leave the concentration camps. Jews in the concentration camps were also used for labor while Offred is used as a breeding machine. This also shows that, like the Holocaust, Gilead’s society is attempting to eliminate female rights. Women are not allowed to pick their own careers and they are not allowed to leave Gilead. The tattoo is also reminiscent of a doll. Dolls are labeled and they can only do what the owner makes them do. The use of tattoos shows both the marginalization and objectification of women. The tattoos are labels that are placed on possessions to signify that the object belongs to someone. These labels demean women by defining them with a number and by telling the world that they are possessions to be owned. Offred shows her spirit and her determination to survive through her struggle to remember her real name. The action of remembering her name is a sign of rebellion because she is not conforming to the ideas of society. She is keeping her identity as a person and not as an object.
When I read quote 5 the first thing that popped into my mind was the correlation to the Holocaust as well. The resemblance of being defined by a number relates to the diminishing of individualism and independence in both the Gilead society and for the Jews during WWII, as Nicole stated in her comment. The tattoo of numbers also made me think of how an animal is branded by its owners so that all the other farmers know who the animal belongs to in the case that it wanders. The handmaids are treated like animals, as Ofred even says that she feels like; they do not have very many freedoms and they are solely used for their physical bodies. Self-worth is completely annihilated in the Gilead society when women are compared to such low standards. Stemming from quote 5, I also think that it's ironic that there is an eye tattooed because eyes give insight and can tell a lot about a person ("speak with your eyes"). Is this implying that the handmaids are giving insight into the future because of the offspring they are producing, or because they are't just bring a physical body into the world, but a revolutionary stance? Synoptically, eyes can give a great deal about a person away, but the eye is placed with the numbers; I think this is trying to say that all the maids truly are is their number.
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ReplyDeleteThis quote demonstrates Offred’s knowledge of and understanding of her oppression. She understand's that society is keeping thing's from her, and she is just expected to live her life, knowing that she will never truly understand certain aspects of her situation. The ruler's of Gilead infantilize, not only the handmaids, but women in general in this world. I believe that this quote exemplifies certain aspects of the world of feminism today. For example, it is commonly said that women cannot handle bad news or situations, for they may become overly emotional. Women, even in the twenty-first century, can be compared to mere children. We are kept from certain information and positions that may "hurt" us, in order to “protect” us. Women do not need “protection” of our sanity, especially if this protection entails the loss of knowledge. Like women today, Offred understand's where she stands in Gilead, and does not believe that she is powerful enough to change the situation, so she just lives with it. I believe that this also model's certain females in our society today. Many believe that their participation in the feminist movement will not lead to any advances or triumphant milestones. Little do they know that, by not participating, they are allowing our patriarchal civilization to take over, while the power of women in society sinks further and further into an empty abyss. Every helping hand helps, and women must begin to understand the true worthiness of her own worth, and must not be ashamed by it so much as to sit back and do nothing. Additionally, Offred compares herself to a “child”. Certain synonym’s of this, such as “babe” or “baby” are still used to describe women today in a demeaning way. The diction used by Atwood help’s the reader to grasp that, if we continue to be bystanders, we will remain viewed as helpless, weak, and to be pitied.
Great point Kirsten! I agree that Offred is being infantilized because she is treated like a child by the people of Gilead. The handmaids feel helpless and succumb to the rules and regulations of Gilead. She has no voice in the Commander's home and must obey orders and ask for permission even though she is an adult. Offred is also not told certain things which only makes her more curious about what is happening around her. As a child yearns rebellion, Offred is similar because she rebels by reasoning and finding ways to communicate with others who think that Gilead is corrupt. Also, when the handmaids go grocery shopping, the tokens are with pictures instead of word because they are restricted from reading. Her education has backtracked to the mind of a child who is just learning to read.This demonstrates how they are silenced and only exist for the sole purpose of a child bearer. I also agree that Offred does not believe she is powerful enough to change the situation, but if they all come together, it can happen.
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ReplyDeleteThis quote represents the objectification of women, but more specifically, wives. “They have been made unusable” states that these women are simply like toys; their only purpose is for the entertainment and enjoyment of her owner. In this case, the entertainment she offers is a womb to bear a child, and her owner is her master… her patriarch… her husband. This quote reminded me a lot of the typical housewives during the 1950’s. Specifically, the clips of Mona Lisa Smile, which were played in class, reminded me of the feverishly hidden emotions of housewives who were forced to remain quiet and in the shadows. These wives are infertile, and that’s why their husbands have found themselves “using” a handmaid - in order to impregnate a woman. I could not imagine the utter torment I would feel inside if I could not accomplish the one job that I was expected to do. Aunt Lydia comments that they are “defeated”, and rightfully so. Additionally, Aunt Lydia quote’s Jesus by saying “Forgive them for they know not what they do”. These wives do not want to hate the handmaid’s but how could they not? It is the fatal flaw of human resentment the Jesus himself died on the cross to save us from. These women are just unfortunate souls.
Great connection to the somewhat modern day representation of the quote in Mona Lisa Smiles! I also can see a direct connection to the song "If I Were A Boy" by Beyonce, which was discussed in class as well. Aunt Lydia's assertion, "you must always try to imagine what they must be feeling" exemplifies the message in the song. It implies that men are often unaware of the struggles that women often endure, and of the necessity of this issue to be addressed.
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ReplyDeleteI personally think this quote truly embodies Ofred's "survivor spirit" and her degree of resilience. Throughout the present, which we are reading, about Ofred's life, she is never completely sure about anything. She is always wondering what will happen next, or makes scenarios in her head about the possibilities for her daughter and Luke's life. Ofred is separated from the two people who she holds most dear to her heart, her husband and her daughter; the fact that she does not just give up on them displays a degree of resilience that is enough to be said for on its own. When alone with the Commander or with Nick, and when she becomes intimate with them, her stream of consciousness is always moral because she knows that this is wrong and hopes Luke would understand her position. To be able to persevere in world without her "rocks" portrays an air of independency and resilience about Ofred. Relating back to quote 10, "betrayal" is seen as synoptic with evil, coinciding with the "evil-ation" of marginalizing and diminishing the female's voice. Ofred feels betrayed at times during the novel by the other women, who she believes should be fighting back against the injustice instead of complying with the backwards ways. They betray Ofred by making holding one's (the female in this case) voice back, become a standard and common ground. Ofred counters this by speaking her mind, regardless of others, and from this resilience and spoken voice, she encounters fellow members of the resilience who give her hope.
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ReplyDeleteQuote 1:
ReplyDeleteThe discrimination present in the literary world that contains a word to describe brotherhood, but not sisterhood, clearly demonstrates the lack of unity amongst women and society as a whole. Although the feminist movement is in a more timely era, sisterhood is not a foreign idea to earlier times. Both Alcott and Austen famously depict sisterhood, yet neither author could use an equivalent counterpart to the word 'fraternize'. This concept proves that men and men bondage are valued higher in a society than women and their bondage. Although sisterhood may not be as respected as brotherhood in both Gilead and modern society, Offred 'sororizes' with Ofglen through their mutual trust and compatibility throughout the novel. This special sorority amongst the two women allows each to vocalize her opinion, even if it is in hush tones, which contributes to the emergence of the female voice. Offred's survivor spirit is highlighted in her manner to behave like a sister towards a fellow victim of Gilead society.
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ReplyDeleteQuote 6:
ReplyDeleteThis quote exemplifies the dignity which Offred and the other Handmaids have been stripped of in Gilead. To call someone by name is the most essential form of recognizing and respecting them as a human being. Although Offred has been marginalized to the point where she is no longer respected as a human being, this statement shows that she still retains dignity and pride in herself. By doing so, she portrays resilience in it's most pure form.
I completely agree with you Kathleen! When someone is forced to lose their name, they are being forced to lose his/her identity. Offred recognizes this, and I believe that shows a lot of strength and resiliency in herself. She understands the value of her name (or identity) so she is aware that she cannot forget her name (or identity). Resiliency is also displayed in Quote 6 when she reminds the reader that she will survive. She will not allow Gilead to conquer her. She will come out of Gilead as a survivor with dignity and her identity.
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ReplyDeleteQuote 4:
ReplyDeleteThroughout the novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, there is a continuous pattern of the infantilization of women. This theme is also seen in the short story, “The Yellow Wallpaper.” In both works, women are deemed powerless over their own bodies. Offred and all women of Gillead have lost control of their bodies, specifically their reproductive organs. Their society has neglected them of the unique control and pleasure women solely inhabit--the ability to give birth and become a mother. The narrator, in the short story, is also being neglected the right to enjoy motherhood, when her baby is parted from her against her will. In both situations, there are outside forces, John in the novel and Rita in the short story, that fail to inform the two female protagonists of the reality of their situations. It is the distorted and controlling society in which these women live that results in their incomplete understanding of their situations and their blind acceptance of them. This form of acceptance is often modeled by children, therefore evincing the infantilizing theme of the situations.
This is a great connection Kelsey. Both women are trapped by their positions in society and are not treated with the respect they deserve. They are infantilized even though they are both intelligent, independent women who are capable of taking care of themselves. Also, when they are treated like children, they both respond with resiliency. The narrator in "The Yellow Wallpaper" continues to secretly write even though her husband forbids her to do so because she wants to share her story of injustice in hopes that people will realize that the rest cure is a cruel punishment. Similarly, Offred is determined to record her story even though it pains her to relive her past and it is probably dangerous for her to do because she feels compelled to tell others about the suffering the women in Gilead endure. Both characters refuse to obey the commands of the men they come in contact with and decide to tell their stories so that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated.
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ReplyDeleteIn this quote I think that Offred realizes that there is no substitute for the people in her life that she has lost because of society. Nick can’t and won’t ever be able to replace Luke and she still choses to believe that Luke is alive somewhere. She experiences relief when she sees that the bodies hanging on the wall aren’t him. This quote also pertains to her daughter and she realizes that there is no replacement or substitute for her daughter and there is no way to fill the void she has in heart because of her loss. Luke and her daughter were unique and individual people in her life that played different roles and it is in this quote that Offred realizes that they are not interchangeable and cannot be replaced.
I definitely agree with you Jess! Offred is lonely and depressed causing her to seek comfort in Nick and the Captain. At first the attention from the Captain and her relationship with Nick make her feel better; however, she soon realizes this does not fill the hole in her heart left by Luke and her daughter.
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ReplyDeleteThis quote made me feel extremely upset. It is clear that the narrator is aware that what Aunt Lydia is telling the handmaids is discriminating and upsetting. Offred is completely being objectified as Aunt Lydia is comparing her to a “thing”. One of the lines in this quote that made me feel the most uncomfortable is when she said “we are hers to define”. In the present society, we should be defining ourselves. Every person should make that decision themselves about who they want to be. But this is impossible in Gilead. In Gilead, the handmaids and most members of society do not define themselves. They are already defined. Offred is extremely resilient because although Aunt Lydia and the entire Gilead society is defining everybody and creating an unjust, discriminating society, Offred is not losing her awareness. Offred is constantly aware of what is wrong and right. She understands that she is being defined by Gilead but she will not allow Gilead to change the way that she defines herself.
I completely agree Alyssa! The women of this society believe that they are defined by what the government categorizes them as. In modern society we are still facing some challenges with this idea. The media plays a large role in keeping the definition of a "perfect women" alive today with all the ideal body image promotion and material items we need in order to be "beautiful". Offered proves to be extremely resilient to what the government tries to define her as when she refuses to be molded into the ideal woman. She is able to form independent thoughts throughout the work instead of succumbing to the government completely.
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ReplyDeleteIn this quote Offred is describing her feelings when she realizes that she and her husband have been betrayed in their plan to escape America. Offred is stripped of all her rights and left only to bare children. She is separated from her daughter and husband and left alone. There is a continuous theme of betrayal seen throughout The Handmaid’s Tale as Offred experiences margilization and commodification. Similarly in Sense and Sensibility Marianne is betrayed by Willoughby when he leaves her after leading her to believe he would propose. He marries a rich woman causing Marianne to be left alone with her reputation hanging by a thread. Both Marianne and Offred experience the negative effects of abandonment especially for women who are harshly discriminated against and held to high standards by society.
Quote 8:
ReplyDeleteIn this quote, the "buried things" are the women who are silenced and cant speak up for themselves but are determined to be heard in some way to shed light on the reality of this society. Offered compares the handmaids to the flowers in the garden because while they are trying to challenge the system and resist it, they are unable to say it out loud.The women are trapped by the oppressive demands of the society of Gilead and are secretly fighting to escape but do so carefully and discreetly. Offered sees the flower as a sign of hope and rebirth because while it is fertile and breaks free,the society condemns any form of rebellion and therefore, they subjugate the women because any threat to male power must be avoided. This quote reveals the control of the government and no escape from the orders even in a calm and peaceful place such as a garden. However, it also demonstrates that because the society objectifies and degrades women, Offred has the determination to burst upwards toward the light like the flower and eventually be free from this oppressive society because does not only want a voice, she needs it to survive.
Quote 9:
ReplyDeleteIn this quote, Offred is referring to her relationships with both Nick and Luke. She says that it is impossible to exchange one of these men for the other because they are unique and independent individuals, not carbon copies of each other. When she says this, I believe that really she is referring to how the leaders of Gilead are treating the handmaids. She realizes that the handmaids are being commodified and are not treated as people with their own dignity and self-worth. This can be seen when Offred's friend, Ofglen takes her own life and the next day there is another woman in her place who also says that her name is Ofglen. The Commanders treat the women like identical objects that can be replaced when one breaks. This quotation shows Offred's resilience because she refuses to submit to their commodification. By recognizing Nick and Luke's individuality, she also shows that she is aware of her own and will not begin to think of herself as an object that can be substituted for another. Offred says that it should not be a question of whether or not it is morally right to treat women this way, but rather it cannot be done because each handmaid is a different human being with her own thoughts, ideas, and opinions.
From Offred's point of view, the garden of the Commander's wife, Serena Joy, communicates the invincible power of buried life energy. She associates breaks in the social structure with symptoms of silent rebellion of the oppressed. I think she compares the season of spring as a time to engender new opinions and supporters of their silent rebellion. These new women will make their views known against their silent oppressors even though they are faced with the challenge to do it silently. They will only achieve success with their rebellion by doing so carefully and strategically. I picture the image of a new flower beginning to break the surface of the earth during the beginning of spring, a time of rebirth and regeneration. A time where these women may become empowered to take a stand and start their new lives without this corrupt society.
ReplyDeleteQuote 8
DeleteQuote 9
ReplyDeleteWhat Offred is trying to say in this quote is that there is no substituting a human for another. No commander or male in this novel is replaced
by another. Every male is given his own distinct identity, where the women or the handmaids are subjugated to having a temporary identity. If something were to happen to a handmaid, they are simply substited with another, given the same name and room. The women's identities do not count in society and she is beginning to realize it here.
Good point, Sabrina. I feel as though a name is an important part of one’s identity, and that it distinguishes one person from another, making each person unique. The fact that the handmaids have a temporary identity represents their insignificant roles throughout the novel, and how a woman’s uniqueness is being overlooked and subjugated. Also, the fact that a handmaid is easily replaced by another, given the same name and room, is absurd and inhumane. It is as if they are dolls with serial numbers or bar codes.
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ReplyDeleteQuote 12 displays Offred’s motif of resilience. She trapped in a society where her freedoms are repressed by the corrupt leaders of Gilead. Offered is confined by the daily routine of a hand maid. Since she is not allowed to express her views, she is stuck recalling her vibrant past as she is used as slave for reproduction. Due to past, Offred wants to be freed from the restrictions in place. Future generations of Hand Maids cannot use their past to fuel their resilience because they are accustomed to the system. Offred is motivated by her old customs and habits to survive and break free from the corruption of Gilead.
Quote 8:
ReplyDeleteI think that in this quote Offred is actually referring to herself and the other women that are suffering from the oppression in Gilead as the "buried things" in Serena's garden. They are the ones who are trying to "burst upwards" and escape these cruel living conditions. However, they are forced to keep silent and remain obedient for the time being. Offred and the others can be compared to a ticking time bomb; they are waiting for an ideal moment to rise up and stand up for themselves. This moment of rebellion is inevitable and will bring great change to their lives, but the silence must remain until the time is right.
Quote 1:
ReplyDeleteThis quote depicts how the society of the Handmaid's Tale attempts to overshadow women in every aspect of life, and one aspect being the most prominent is through language. In this novel women are discouraged from gaining any ounce of intelligence through reading and/or writing; therefore, all words are removed from signs and literature is kept out of reach of the hands of women. The fact that there is no word to behave like a woman, or a sister, shows that in this society there is no necessity for such a word and this symbolizes that there is a belief that women are useless beings other than the sole purpose of birthing children. Additionally, this quote states that Offred would tease Luke for being interested in the origins of words and become more intelligent through this. I believe that Offred only has the instinct to tease Luke of this because she has never been the opportunity to experience words and education in a way that he has, a man. If Offred were exposed to this new world I believe she would, too, be pedantic and eager to learn.
Quote 6:
ReplyDeleteThis quote is significant because it demonstrates that Offred knows there is more to her own life than the name she was given by the society that refuses to acknowledge her as a human being. I believe Offred decides to keep her real name a secret because it is the one part of her that cannot be claimed by her society. This unique name allows her to be herself when she is alone, not just a number of the population. This quote shows Offred's resiliency as a character because she states that one day her true name will be dug up and she can release it. This depicts her hope for the future and that one day her actual name will have meaning, as she will as a person in a more accepting society.
Quote 4:
ReplyDeleteIn saying, "I am like a child here, there are some things I must not be told. What you don’t know won’t hurt you," Offred blatantly displays the infantilization of women in the society of The Handmaid's Tale. Offred's declaration is similar to the expression "ignorance is bliss." Parents often shield their child from engaging in complex situations in order to ensure his or her well being in these times of distress. This is similar to the way Offred is being treated as a handmaid. But in this case, ignorance is not bliss. After all, Offred is not a child. She is an intelligent Harvard graduate. Although Offred is forbidden to read, write, display her face, or have control over her own body, her spirit does not die. Offred is infantilized, but like any child, she craves knowledge. Offred finds the latin quote in her closet and repeats it over and over in her head, making sure she does not lose her ability to read and remember. This is also seen when she reads the world "faith" written on the pillow. Offred finds ways to survive and track information on the war and the whereabouts of her daughter and Luke. She follows orders, but always remains skeptical. In doing so, Offred has always shown a small sliver of rebellion. No matter how isolated she is kept, Offred knows she is a survivor, and it is impossible to keep her in the dark.
Quote 3:
ReplyDeleteI believe that the third quote truly shows the struggle for the female voice to be heard and understood even in the face of the Aunts, who in the text seem more than happy to allow their freedoms, rights, and decency to be stripped away in order for the creation of a “better” society. In this quote one of the Aunts is warning Offred of the greatest hostility that she will face in her home that is the wives of the Commanders that the Handmaids must sleep with. This example of pitting women against each other especially over men is so toxic to the natural relationships that women form with each other. The Aunt’s reasoning for this hostility and bitterness is one that suggests the women’s true ignorance and nativity in that “They know not what they do.” Besides suggesting obliviousness and childlike stupidity as to right and wrong, this quote parallels the Bible as Jesus pleads with God to pardon the sinners because, “They know not what they do,” therefore stereotyping all women into a box of sinners. This quote also shows the fight for the female voice. Although these toxic statements were said seemingly willingly by a woman, the last line shows the desire for the true female voice to emerge. In the last line the Aunt who is reciting this propaganda to Offred is unable to continue because her voice breaks. This can symbolize the Aunt’s inability to agree to believe in these statements given to her by male stereotypes any longer and therefore is implying the use of her female voice by choosing silence. Perhaps she has become aware of the evils taught to her and no longer wishes for them to be spoken and therefore silences herself instead of allowing for her words to silence the voice of the other women.
I think you said it perfectly here, Katie. I think this is the perfect example of women dragging other women down, which, in turn, strengthens men and forms a further divide between the genders. When this was spoken, what was the true underlying message? Did the Aunt truly believe that, or, after years of subjugation and becoming assimilated to this new society did she learn to accept this? I like how you compared this to the Bible and I think that the Aunt was, in a way, marginalizing all women to share a identity as sinners for the sole purpose of being women. This quote raises the question, do women truly believe and accept their second-class citizen status or has society forced them to do so?
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ReplyDeleteIn this quote, I think it is clear to see how women are suppressed in many aspects of society. It is shown how women’s roles in society are put down by many ways, but here by the fact that there isn't even a word to describe the behavior of sisterhood. Offred’s strong-willed character is willing to face reality and come to realize that these conditions are not by any means normal. She is a strong character who is willing to face the ugly truth even if it is not what she wants to realize. Her willingness to face reality works hand in hand with our yearly theme of resiliency. In order to be resilient, she has taken the first step to realize that the way she is viewed as a woman should not be acceptable. It is people like these who are truly model citizens and can truly ignite a spark to make change in society.
Quote 3:
ReplyDeleteThis quote puts down women and wives in an extremely harsh way. They are called unable and defeated, basically making them seem helpless and useless. It is said that they are resentful and one must feel bad for them. They always must be forgiven. In Gilead, women have one purpose, and this quote seems to describe how you are “supposed to deal with women”. The men of Gilead clearly don’t know how to deal with women or how to treat them. When reading this quote, I immediately thought of the movie my group and I used for one of the group presentations. Many of the scenes from Stepford Wives depicted the perfect woman always at her husband’s service. This quote kind of reflects back to the image of the perfect wife. Everything must look perfect from the outside but you have to realize that inside they may be shattered and broken. And, as this quote says, one must “Try to feel for them… try to pity them”.
Quote 5:
ReplyDeleteI think that this quote shows how women’s importance has been completely and wrongly redefined by the Gilead society. Offred states that she is important because she is a “national resource.” Resources are water and minerals, which should not be a defining factor of human beings. Her importance and scarcity is due to her ability to reproduce, not her ability to think or show self expression. She feels that the four digits on her ankle will guarantee that she will not fade, but this tattoo makes her just another number. Even though she knows the truth, she tries to defend herself from society’s definitions and makes herself believe that her existence is indeed meaningful. I think that this quote shows Offred’s survivor’s spirit because it shows how she has to go day to day with the belief that her only goal in life is to reproduce, even when she remembers the days when life had more meaning. This reality shows how she is strong in surviving and living in this society.
Quote 11:
ReplyDeleteThis quote shows rebellion of the overpowering Gilead society and the emergence of the female voice. Those in power were held high on a pedestal, making everyone else look up towards their supposed higher intelligence and power. By whispering about those in control of society, rebels could feel a sense of community by being backed up by others who shared their thoughts. These obscenities whispered pushed those in control of society off this pedestal, for these forbidden words against them obliterated any idea that these people in power were pristine and godly. These human beings were not innocent of the oppression in this society, for they created it. The whispering shows that these rebels were not fully able to speak words in a normal tone. Their hushed tones showed that their voices were still stifled, but their minds and thoughts were not. They still had the ability and temerity to display their opinions that differed from the norms of the society, showing the progression of women’s voices. This quote exhibits Offred’s surviving spirit because it shows that she is using her voice to convey her feelings as a way to deal with the society and situation at hand.
(Quote 10) To me, this quotes perfectly exemplifies Offred’s true survivor nature. I also believe that it exhibits how Offred was able to overcome her problems while at the same time it realistically depicts how she still must deal with the emotional scars that it left her. This quote makes it clear how much Offred has been forced to deal with and was then able to over come, which defines her as a truly resilient character. She had to lose the two most important people in her life and is unaware of whether they are truly safe. The hope she holds that they are possibly still out in the world safe, is something that keeps her strong and moving. It is apparent that she is cognizant that the chance they are still safe is slim, but the thought alone is fueling her perseverance. This resilient nature acts as a coat of armor for Offred and she is able to approach uncomfortable situations with the Commander and remain strong despite her current situation. This quote reflects directly to Offred’s marginalization as both a woman and a handmaid. She has be forced to occupy society’s lowest social ring and her purpose in society is almost equivalent to a human incubator. Throughout it all, Offred remains strong and resilient and is always able to overcome her tribulations.
ReplyDeleteQuote 8:
ReplyDeletePersonally, I feel as though this quote embodies a much deeper meaning than that of which is portrayed. I never truly recognized the literal action of a flower blooming. It is essentially a piece of nature that is hidden from the world as it grows and develops, and then all of a sudden it flourishes, blessing every person who sees it with its beauty. This phenomenon is in exact concurrence with the blooming of women’s rights throughout history. Living in a patriarchal society, women’s skills and talents have been repeatedly concealed from society. However, as the quote states, flowers overcome silence silently. Women will triumph over male empowerment when they least expect it, and whether they approve or not. Offred’s ability to make such connections from Serena’s garden exemplifies her understanding of the necessity of change, and her hope that women will be the ones to spark such change.
I really like your point Tori. In society, especially in this work, women's talents and skills are undermined. In a patriarchal society, males specifically fail to realize that women are vital to ensure the evolution of mankind. Women are taken for granted;however, if from constant abuse they cease to exist, the world will collapse and turn to turmoil. That is why women must triumph over male empowerment for they truly see things in full perspective. The reason in this novel they choose to accept their subjugated roles is because they realize that one day, society will realize that women are essential and one of a kind. Finally, slowly but surely, their silence will produce a greater everlasting effect in the future.
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ReplyDeleteThis quote depicts both Offred’s resiliency and the emergence of her voice. She knows she is being marginalized due to the fact that she is only referred to through a male, instead of as her own person. Rather than feeling dejected due to her disregarding, Offred depicts resiliency because she thinks of her name as something sacred that has survived a tumultuous road. Although she is referred to only through a man, Offred understands she is a woman of substance, which also shows the emergence of her voice. Saying that she will dig up the treasure one day alludes to the notion that one day she will stand up for herself and put an end to her marginalization. Her resiliency and emergence of her voice are counterparts; Offred is resistant to her inability to be recognized as her own person, which leads her to speak her mind.
Quote 9:
ReplyDeleteMen are seen as indispensable, while women are there only to serve the purposes of men. Once women have fulfilled their duties, they are simply tossed aside. Also if they are unable to complete the tasks assigned, they are killed. This shows the immense disrespect that this society obtains for women. This quote shows that women are objectified, since they are treated as objects to satisfy the needs of their Commander. Once one handmaid dies or is unable to bear children, another one is brought in and takes the same name. This would never be done to the men, for they are seen as distinct human beings within society. The objectification of the handmaids provokes Offred’s survivor spirit, because she realizes what is going on and makes a note of it. Instead of just mindlessly following societal dictations, she begins to question the way she is living her life.
Quote 5:
ReplyDeleteI think this quote focuses on Offred's objectification and the loss of her individuality and humanity. She is speaking of the tattoo on her ankle and says she "can't avoid seeing it now" because she is being forced to come to terms with the fact that she must give up her freedom and rights. It does not matter how hard she tries to pretend that she is not controlled by the government because the tattoo serves as a daily reminder. Offred will "never be able to fade"; she is forced to continue to fulfill her duty as a handmaid. The tattoo first reminded me of a serial number. The women are numbered as nothing more than mere objects and are labeled as so. This further takes away any humanity and individualism they might have had left. And lastly, probably the most important and disturbing part of this quote is "I am too important, too scarce, for that. I am a national resource." This really exemplifies the theme of the entire book. The women are not important enough to be considered humans or be given rights, but they cannot simply kill them because they are need to keep the population alive. The handmaids are strictly a means of reproducing, and they don't have any humanity. Offred is seen as a walking womb, her only purpose is to bear children. Handmaids are a "national resource". They don't posses any of their own skills or talents; their only use is to reproduce another generation. Offred is not seen as having any self worth, she belongs to society and must do as they wish.
Quote 12:
ReplyDeleteQuote 12 portrays that Offred is confined by society, for she cannot express her freedom, freedom of having a unique name. A name is a fundamental aspect for a person, for it is how people associate themselves; it is their identity. Not all names are the same, and therefore not all individuals are the same. Offred knows that one day she will be able to identify her unique self. Offred is an atypical member of this society for she realizes that she is an important human being; she will be able to move on from the past, the past of being a number, and will rebirth her true self, Offred!
sorry *quote 6 !
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ReplyDeleteQuote 5 demonstrates the objectification of women as members of the Gilead society. Offred is viewed by the number on her foot. She is seen as an object, someone who can reproduce. Her "national resource" is her ability to bear children. Offred is viewed as an object, or rather the next number in line who can produce future generations, not as a female. The tattoo is significant in that it is permanent. This implies that her lack of identity will be forever, she will not be able to escape the past. However, it is a little ironic because no tattoo is exactly the same; thus, each number is not the same. Each member of the society is, in a way, unique, and with resiliency they will be able to find themselves.
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ReplyDeleteI find great irony in this quote because Offred compares and categorizes herself as a child, where in reality this is a sign of maturation and strength. It is difficult for a child to accept being told no; however Offred, being reassigned a new life with a new identity, does not protest to being denied answers. Instead, she accepts these new terms in order to survive because she realizes she still has something to live for. She has to think of her husband and daughter who may still be alive, and in order to return to them, she has to remain silent for now. Offred is such an admirable character for she chooses survival and in that comes the consequences such as being told she can't know too much. She is treated as a child;however she handles her situation as an adult and makes the best out of what she can.
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ReplyDeleteThis quote exemplifies the objectification of women within Gilead society because Aunt Lydia describes a pearl and then compares it to the Handmaids, and their status within the community. Aunt Lydia however, fails to communicate that everyone respects the idea that children are being born through the Handmaid process, but many individuals do not respect the Handmaids themselves. In the beginning of the novel Offred reminisces about a conversation she overheard between Cora and Rita in which both women proclaim that they would never subject themselves to the shame of being a Handmaid. I personally agree with this sentiment because the Handmaids were not treated like human beings, but like animals. They were trained how to prepare their minds, how to forgo their desires, and even how to behave in the presence of others. These women were not given much of a choice in deciding their futures and as a result many women had taken their lives, but even that fate was just considered a shame because a possible baby maker was lost. There was no consideration for the women themselves, but merely their eggs that could potentially be fertilized. If I was forced to subject myself to such a cruel and degrading society I do not believe I would be able to handle my situation as well as Offred because she learns to cope by being defiant through small gestures while I would not be half as brave, and I fear I would look for any possible way out, no matter the outcome.
Quote one- This quote shows how women in Gilead are marginalized, and that their marginalization is based on ancient structures. The fact that they're is no female equivalent to a male word for bonding shows that female relationships have been undervalued for ages and continue to be undervalued. Offred shows her strength by forming important sororal bonds in the face of a society that ignores the importance of female friendships. Her friendship with Moira is an important sororal bond, as both women support and learn from each other. They show that they are resilient enough to combat society's marginalization of their identities.
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