Theme Of Allegory In The Handmaids Tale

Allegories are works of literature containing elements that has significant symbolic values. In Margaret Atwood’s novel, The Handmaids Tale, Atwood uses allegories to deeper the meaning of the story. In the novel, an egg cup is used to symbolize the womb of the mother, and within it is an egg which represents a potential child. Another example would be the colours of women’s dresses. The handmaids’ red dresses for blood, the commanders’ wives’ blue dresses for the mother figure association with Mary, mother of Jesus. The flowers in Serena Joy’s garden, the cool blue irises that associate with the commanders’ wives, and the red tulips representing the handmaids are they are both covered in red and fertile. Also, the brothel full of prostitutes is called Jezebels. Jezebel represents the biblical figure who is often referred to as a “fallen woman,” similar to the prostitutes at the brothel. The Handmaids Tale contains many elements which contains symbolic meanings that are meant to deeper the readers understanding of the novel. An allegory is the “of symbols in a story, picture… to convey a hidden or ulterior meaning” (OED). In the novel, an egg cup

In the novel, an egg-cup was used to symbolize the womb of a woman, and within it is a potential child. The different statuses and roles of handmaids and the wives are represented through the colour of their dresses. The cool blue iris represents the caring and calm characteristics that Serena Joy is supposed to have, and the red tulips represents Offred as they are both covered in red and are fertile. The brothel Jezebel’s represents the “fallen women” who works at the brothel and are believed to be wicked, vain, and dangerous. The Handmaids Tale is meant to be read allegorically in order to fully understand the story and the meanings within the context of the