The Handmaid's Tale By Margaret Atwood

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In Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, the dystopian society of Gilead starkly contrasts the value of human connection against the oppressive regime’s attempts to isolate and control its citizens. The novel demonstrates that connectivity and friendship are essential factors of survival, providing emotional support and a sense of identity. The characters Moira, Ofglen, and Nick illustrate the importance of these bonds, highlighting how relationships enable resistance and survival in a society designed to erase individuality and enforce compliance. The character of Moira represents the defiance and strength derived from deep, pre-existing relationships. Offred’s bond with Moira, her roommate from college, is a source of inner strength and hope. Moira’s …show more content…

When Offred recalls their friendship, she finds a semblance of her former self, “Moira was always more logical than I am. But Moira was always more logical than anyone else I knew” (Atwood 1998). This moment signifies the crucial role Moira plays in Offred’s mental resilience. Additionally, Moira’s successful escape attempt, though eventually truncated, symbolises hope, “I want gallantry from her, swashbuckling, heroism, single-handed combat. Something I lack” (Atwood 289). Moira’s character underscores that connections forged before Gilead continue to empower individuals, emphasizing that maintaining memories of past relationships can be an act of resistance. Offred’s reflection, “I feel, for the first time, their true power” (Atwood 331), reveals how memories of Moira fuel her will to survive. Moira, with her stoic determination and ineffable spirit, becomes a beacon of hope for Offred, whose wistful longing for the past underscores her current struggle. This illustrates the importance of Moira’s character to Offred’s resilience and highlights the role of friendship in retaining personal strength against

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