Totalitarianism is a type of government that is dictatorial and requires compliance from the state. Modern examples of totalitarianism include Nazi Germany under the power of Adolf Hitler, the Soviet Union under the power of Joseph Stalin, and North Korea under the power of the Kim dynasty. Within these societies, freedom of speech as well as certain religions are banned. Margaret Atwood’s novel; The Handmaid’s Tale, takes place in the Republic of Gilead; a totalitarian society. Offred’s best friend Moira plays a very important role throughout the novel. The reader is introduced to Moira through Offred’s flashbacks as a strong and rebellious woman, and although Moira tries to stay determined and audacious, as the novel unfolds she transforms
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This is evident when Offred reunites with Moira at Jezebels for the first time since the Red Centre. She is “dressed absurdly…. she has a black bow tie around her neck and is wearing black net stocking and black high heels. She always hated high heels.” (p.238-239 Atwood). The Moira that the reader meets in the club is has drastically changed in comparison to the Moira from the time before. Moira could no longer be a Handmaid after her second escape from the Red Centre. Her only option was to become a Jezebel or an Unwoman. She convinces herself that a Jezebel is not a horrible thing as she says to Offred, “the food is not bad and there is drink and drugs, if you want it, and we only have to work nights.” (p.249 Atwood). As to which Offred replies, “She is frightening me now, because what I hear in her voice is indifference, a lack of volition.” (p.249 Atwood). Moira tries to not only convince Offred, but also herself that the situation she is currently in is okay. Although it seems fine to her, it is not. The outspoken Moira from the time before would not think being a Jezebel is okay. Offred is upset with Moira because to her she was courage and someone who she looked to for optimism. Moira represents the hope that everyone in Gilead has lost, including Offred. However, now that the regime has also broken Moira, Gilead has won. Seeing a character such as Moira who was once so independent and tough makes her …show more content…
Their spirit and strength are eventually broken leaving them no other option. Moira represents hope for the Handmaids. She provided hope and courage allowing Offred and the other Handmaids strength in their daily lives. In the time before, Moira was a determined, strong, witty individual. During her first escape, she is battered, but her will and determination is strong. When she escapes on her second attempt, she provides a sense of fantasy and hope to the other Handmaids. However, when she becomes a Jezebel, Moira has finally been broken. Witnessing a strong person become overpowered in a totalitarian society makes the story much more devastating and
This is evident when Offred reunites with Moira at Jezebels for the first time since the Red Centre. She is “dressed absurdly…. she has a black bow tie around her neck and is wearing black net stocking and black high heels. She always hated high heels.” (p.238-239 Atwood). The Moira that the reader meets in the club is has drastically changed in comparison to the Moira from the time before. Moira could no longer be a Handmaid after her second escape from the Red Centre. Her only option was to become a Jezebel or an Unwoman. She convinces herself that a Jezebel is not a horrible thing as she says to Offred, “the food is not bad and there is drink and drugs, if you want it, and we only have to work nights.” (p.249 Atwood). As to which Offred replies, “She is frightening me now, because what I hear in her voice is indifference, a lack of volition.” (p.249 Atwood). Moira tries to not only convince Offred, but also herself that the situation she is currently in is okay. Although it seems fine to her, it is not. The outspoken Moira from the time before would not think being a Jezebel is okay. Offred is upset with Moira because to her she was courage and someone who she looked to for optimism. Moira represents the hope that everyone in Gilead has lost, including Offred. However, now that the regime has also broken Moira, Gilead has won. Seeing a character such as Moira who was once so independent and tough makes her …show more content…
Their spirit and strength are eventually broken leaving them no other option. Moira represents hope for the Handmaids. She provided hope and courage allowing Offred and the other Handmaids strength in their daily lives. In the time before, Moira was a determined, strong, witty individual. During her first escape, she is battered, but her will and determination is strong. When she escapes on her second attempt, she provides a sense of fantasy and hope to the other Handmaids. However, when she becomes a Jezebel, Moira has finally been broken. Witnessing a strong person become overpowered in a totalitarian society makes the story much more devastating and