As Atwood finalizes her argument, things begin to unfold for Offred and the readers are given an interesting perspective into the society in which the handmaid's live. Offred reflects on the beginning of the Gilead society, when it was first forming. She remembers that Jews were given the option to emigrate or convert, considering they were Sons of Jacob and “therefore special.” (200). She clarifies that Jews were typically hanged for solely being jewish as the Catholic was hanged for his faith. The Gilead declared that Jews were allowed to leave or convert because,in the Christian faith, Jacob’s son were tribes of Israel and God’s chosen people, protecting them from persecution. Atwood is arguing that it is unrealistic to force people into
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God also cursed Adam with weeds from the ground and hard labor to provide food for his family. The Gilead used certain verses to their own advantage to make the people believe that this was righteous in the eyes of God, a god that they were forced to believe in. A Government cannot use one religion to rule because religion in itself is subjective and up to interpretation, and one man’s justification with one verse can be proven wrong with another verse, depending on where you place the emphasis. Atwood cleverly uses the Historical Notes section to clarify misconceptions of the book, to not take away from the story of Offred, and to further argue that the separation of church and state is crucial in a successful government. Noted by Professor Pieixoto the Gilead makes use of the Old Testament to practice “simultaneous polygamy” (305). Previously mentioned, they also refuse to acknowledge things from the bible that refute their way of life. They seem to be basing their society on teachings from the Old Testament, but only those which agree with their views. It’s impractical to apply antiquated teachings to modern situations. Atwood wants it to be clear that using religion, especially one like christianity which teachings date back to the first century, is simply irrational and can’t possibly ever be effective in the long
God also cursed Adam with weeds from the ground and hard labor to provide food for his family. The Gilead used certain verses to their own advantage to make the people believe that this was righteous in the eyes of God, a god that they were forced to believe in. A Government cannot use one religion to rule because religion in itself is subjective and up to interpretation, and one man’s justification with one verse can be proven wrong with another verse, depending on where you place the emphasis. Atwood cleverly uses the Historical Notes section to clarify misconceptions of the book, to not take away from the story of Offred, and to further argue that the separation of church and state is crucial in a successful government. Noted by Professor Pieixoto the Gilead makes use of the Old Testament to practice “simultaneous polygamy” (305). Previously mentioned, they also refuse to acknowledge things from the bible that refute their way of life. They seem to be basing their society on teachings from the Old Testament, but only those which agree with their views. It’s impractical to apply antiquated teachings to modern situations. Atwood wants it to be clear that using religion, especially one like christianity which teachings date back to the first century, is simply irrational and can’t possibly ever be effective in the long