"Nolite te bastardes carborundorum” (Atwood 52), was written in a cabinet in Offred’s room from a woman that lived there before her. It means do not let the bastards grind you down. Whether it is a friend, parent, teacher, or even a stranger never let anyone discourage you from achieving a dream or goal. When reading The Handmaid 's Tale by Margaret Atwood through a biographical lens, the connection between the author and the text is eminently clear. The connection between Margaret Atwood and The Handmaid’s Tale is shown through the main character, Offred, overcoming obstacles, the theme remembering the past brings hope for the future and the veil the handmaid’s wear.
Offred overcomes many obstacles that come her way throughout the book. …show more content…
The Handmaid’s veil brings secrecy. The purpose of the veil is to hide their identity. When Japanese tourists ask if they can take a picture of Offred and Ofglen they shake their heads because “What they must see is the white wings only, a scrap of face, my chin and part of my mouth. Not the eyes. I know better than to look the interpreter in the face” (Atwood 28). Offred and all the other handmaids cannot show their eyes because they are sacred. In the novel, eyes have many symbolic values. For example, Eyes are another name for guards because they watch you everywhere you go. The veil covers their face so no one can see their eyes. Men are intrigued to find out more about women. After Offred and Ofglen’s daily walk, Nick tries starting a conversation, “Nice walk? I nod, but do not answer with my voice. He isn’t supposed to speak to me. Of course some of them will try, said Aunt Lydia” (Atwood 45). Offred understands why she cannot look people in their eyes and why she cannot speak to men. She does not always comply with the rules, but the one rule she does obey is keeping her veil on and never shows anyone her eyes. She knows if she does not follow those guidelines she could be killed. In addition, knowing the different definitions of veils helps better understand the meaning of the novel. Between the differences in social classes there is still common clothing. According to the article Hymens, Lips and Masks: The Veil in Margaret Atwood’s the Handmaid’s Tale, “The obligatory wearing of a veil in Atwood’s dystopian society where women are silenced, oppressed and disempowered invites the reader to interpret the veil as an instrument” (Coad 1). In Gilead, the Wives, Marthas and Handmaids all wear veils (Coad 1). It is a symbol for keeping their thoughts to themselves and not voicing their opinions. Women are not allowed freedom of speech or thought and the veil
Offred overcomes many obstacles that come her way throughout the book. …show more content…
The Handmaid’s veil brings secrecy. The purpose of the veil is to hide their identity. When Japanese tourists ask if they can take a picture of Offred and Ofglen they shake their heads because “What they must see is the white wings only, a scrap of face, my chin and part of my mouth. Not the eyes. I know better than to look the interpreter in the face” (Atwood 28). Offred and all the other handmaids cannot show their eyes because they are sacred. In the novel, eyes have many symbolic values. For example, Eyes are another name for guards because they watch you everywhere you go. The veil covers their face so no one can see their eyes. Men are intrigued to find out more about women. After Offred and Ofglen’s daily walk, Nick tries starting a conversation, “Nice walk? I nod, but do not answer with my voice. He isn’t supposed to speak to me. Of course some of them will try, said Aunt Lydia” (Atwood 45). Offred understands why she cannot look people in their eyes and why she cannot speak to men. She does not always comply with the rules, but the one rule she does obey is keeping her veil on and never shows anyone her eyes. She knows if she does not follow those guidelines she could be killed. In addition, knowing the different definitions of veils helps better understand the meaning of the novel. Between the differences in social classes there is still common clothing. According to the article Hymens, Lips and Masks: The Veil in Margaret Atwood’s the Handmaid’s Tale, “The obligatory wearing of a veil in Atwood’s dystopian society where women are silenced, oppressed and disempowered invites the reader to interpret the veil as an instrument” (Coad 1). In Gilead, the Wives, Marthas and Handmaids all wear veils (Coad 1). It is a symbol for keeping their thoughts to themselves and not voicing their opinions. Women are not allowed freedom of speech or thought and the veil