Balance Of Power In The Handmaids Tale

Balance of power in the Handmaid’s Tale almost always happens against the law to counteract the strict social hierarchy, while imbalance of power almost always indicates a dependence of someone lower on the social ladder on someone higher. People of different social levels aren’t supposed to interact, or they're supposed to have the least amount of interaction possible to keep Gilead going. However, some characters break this hierarchy by interacting, thus breaking the law. At one point in the book, Offred and Ofwarren realize they have found an ally in each other. They find out because Ofwarren said something that is considered treason, and Offred went along with it. Handmaids aren’t supposed to even look each other in the eye, let alone have

a conversation. “We have crossed the invisible line together” (Atwood 168). This “crossing” is the movement from lawful to unlawful, and the movement from acquaintances to allies, which is equally threatening for both of them. Crime puts them both on the same page, and makes them more equal, because neither party can claim either the moral or social high ground. Another example of Offred creating bonds is with Cora, a Martha.

Cora finds Offred sleeping in the closet; she thinks Offred has committed suicide and in her fright drops the breakfast tray full of food. Because there would’ve been too much explaining to do had Cora gotten another full tray of food, they decide to lie- Cora says Offred had a full breakfast, and Offred doesn’t admit Cora dropped the tray of food. “It was a link between us” (Atwood 152). In lying, Cora and Offred find common ground, which puts them on a relatively equal power level and brings them closer together. Having an ally in a world where handmaids are supposed to be alone offers a sense of security for both people involved, and allows an outlet for people who repeatedly commit suicide for lack of affection. When people interact in the Handmaid’s Tale, it’s not always for balance of power- sometimes interactions are due or lead to a higher imbalance of power than there was before. Offred explains what it was like when they made the shift from United States to Gilead. After Offred’s bank account is invalidated and she is fired from her job, all of her previous money was transferred to her husband’s account; he now has the power to control if and when she can use money, and decide what she can use it

for. “We are not each other’s anymore. Instead, I am his” (Atwood 182). This shift from balance to imbalance places all the power in the husband, and takes away her economic and social autonomy. She is trapped under her husband’s will. Later on chronologically, Offred explains the agreement she has with the commander. She is granted a higher level of freedom when the commander starts inviting her to his study. However, she must remind herself that the commander is in charge of when or if she goes to his study. “For him… I am only a whim” (Atwood 159). She depends on him for relief of boredom and human affection, and if she slips up- says the wrong thing, gives the wrong impression- he can easily take it away from her. By forming this connection with the Commander, Offred is, in some ways, putting herself in a position of less power than before. She is now dependent on a man for things she didn’t have before, so if they are taken away, she will feel more disenfranchised than before. This prompt of the balance and imbalance of power is significant because it shows that although the Gileadean government may try to completely alienate different classes from one another, people still find a way to interact with each other and even rebel in small ways. Against all odds, the people of Gilead fight against a clear cut hierarchy and unjust society by exploiting those levels of society and using them to their advantage, either to create a small balance or steeper imbalance of power.