When we mention the theme of a book or a novel, we are discussing about a general idea, lesson, or message that can be seen through the entire story. The events in the book may be very interesting, or exciting, but without the universal connection to human, they will not grab our attention in any real way. A novel of Magaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale, is highly considered as a stimulating work of feminist dystopian fiction that examines the cultural construction of fertility, rebellion, manipulation of power and love. All of these themes play an essential role in displaying the dehumanizing impacts of patriarchy on women and address the way in which society may be in the future.
Fertility is believed to be vital for the future in Gilead because …show more content…
The one who has the most obvious power is the Republic of Gilead - a patriarchal society, a totalitarian regime that bases on Christian Bible. Men are placed at the top of the society and women have to follow their rules. Women are forbidden to read or write except for the Aunts. Through the extremely strict supervision, propaganda and other kinds of disciplines, it makes people in Gilead scared of it in order to control them easily. The distinguish of each group has shown the corruption of the structure of the society. One of the ways that Gilead uses to threaten citizens is hanging dead bodies of people who fight against the government on the Wall. It is described by Offred that "We stop, together as if on signal and stand and look at the bodies. It doesn't matter if we look. We're supposed to look this is what they are there for, hanging on the Wall. Sometimes they'll be there for days, until there's a new batch, so as many people as possible will have the chance to see them" (40). Hanging is the most visible, brutal and the best visual exhibition of power. It is a symbol for sin and represents what is preventing people from resisting: fear or death. It is also warning to the residents that it is the punishment for violating the rules. The question runs through people’ heads must be “Who’s going to be the next?” therefore, when the they see the Wall, they are forced to follow the government's rules because they are scared and frighten. However, Offred’s fear is not being hanged, she’s just afraid of seeing Luke’s body on the Wall. “My name isn’t Offred, I have another name, which nobody uses now because it’s forbidden.” (94). This indicates her position as an object owned by men, specifically, the possession of a Commander named Fred, Of-fred and all the handmaids attached to the Fred’s household in the past or the future get the name Offred. By removing the handmaid’ names, they
Fertility is believed to be vital for the future in Gilead because …show more content…
The one who has the most obvious power is the Republic of Gilead - a patriarchal society, a totalitarian regime that bases on Christian Bible. Men are placed at the top of the society and women have to follow their rules. Women are forbidden to read or write except for the Aunts. Through the extremely strict supervision, propaganda and other kinds of disciplines, it makes people in Gilead scared of it in order to control them easily. The distinguish of each group has shown the corruption of the structure of the society. One of the ways that Gilead uses to threaten citizens is hanging dead bodies of people who fight against the government on the Wall. It is described by Offred that "We stop, together as if on signal and stand and look at the bodies. It doesn't matter if we look. We're supposed to look this is what they are there for, hanging on the Wall. Sometimes they'll be there for days, until there's a new batch, so as many people as possible will have the chance to see them" (40). Hanging is the most visible, brutal and the best visual exhibition of power. It is a symbol for sin and represents what is preventing people from resisting: fear or death. It is also warning to the residents that it is the punishment for violating the rules. The question runs through people’ heads must be “Who’s going to be the next?” therefore, when the they see the Wall, they are forced to follow the government's rules because they are scared and frighten. However, Offred’s fear is not being hanged, she’s just afraid of seeing Luke’s body on the Wall. “My name isn’t Offred, I have another name, which nobody uses now because it’s forbidden.” (94). This indicates her position as an object owned by men, specifically, the possession of a Commander named Fred, Of-fred and all the handmaids attached to the Fred’s household in the past or the future get the name Offred. By removing the handmaid’ names, they