Handmaids Tale References

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Throughout the Handmaid’s Tale, we come across a plethora of biblical references; also many aspects of the stories’ plot are based on biblical passages. The story is based in the republic of Gilead, a futuristic and dystopian America. This futuristic government isn’t based on loving peaceful messages from scripture; rather, it takes snippets from the violent passages and adopts them to suit their choke-hold of society. We first take notice of this oppressive government in the first few pages of the book when we read “Aunt Sara and Aunt Elizabeth patrolled; they had electric cattle-prods slung on thongs from electric belts.” ( 4) These “Aunts” are older women, who wear habits, whose man function is to brain wash and rule over the “handmaids”. Often referencing from the Old Testament, they encourage a very bleak outlook at life outside of government rule. To meet this end, they often times force the handmaids to view pornos and gratuitous violent acts. The main character in the story is a handmaid named Offred (of Fred), who’s purpose in life, imposed on by the government, is to bear children. The majority of names throughout the story are based on biblical characters. Many of which were predominantly from the Old Testament. All of the women were subdivided into different categories, which would explain their function in society. Some of these names were “Unwomen” “Econowives” “Handmaids”, “Wives”, and “Marthas”. Marthas’ function was too practice chores in the household. Much like Martha in the Bible, who instead of listening to Jesus talking to the other people in the household, simply felt her calling was to wait on the guests and work on the household chores. Martha felt that work was her calling in life. (Luke, 10:38... ... middle of paper ... ...lood” (13) Also, the handmaids were assigned bedrooms in a house, and were not allowed to express what they were thinking, in fear of blasphemy. However, probably the most frightening aspect of the handmaids’ lives’ was the fear of being sent to the “colonies”, as punishment for failure to conceive. These handmaids knew full well that if they were sent to the colonies, they would surely die. In conclusion, I believe Atwood was warning the reader of the misinterpretation of religious texts, and how we should guard against any extreme behavior that infringes on other people’s lives. Also, her book is brining attention to how people can very easily be manipulated into committing horrific acts. We should all guard against and do everything we can to prevent these injustices, and to remain always perceptive to make sure America doesn’t end up like Gilead.

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