2) Then, either:
- Ask a question and work through your confusion in a thorough response. Call on your classmates to also engage with this passage and unpack it together.
OR--
- Make a connection to the news/your own life/another text as a means to dig deeper into the meaning of a passage
OR--
- Look at specific language/literary devices/tools and write a response in which you examine the EFFECT of these devices. What do these observations that you've made DO for your initial understanding of the speaker and the world that she lives in?
Some reminders:
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Format:
"......" (17).
Response:
"It has rained during the night; the grass to either side is damp, the air humid. Here and here there are worms, evidence of the fertility of the soil, caught by the sun, half dead; flexible and pink, like lips"(17).
ReplyDeleteWhat does the passage show about this society and the role of women in it?
In this passage, I thought about the worms being a motif of the role of women in society. In the passage, the worms are described as half dead. I think this reflects how women in this society are prisoners and not living the life they had and still want. Women are put into groups and are guarded from leaving. They do not have much say at all or any social mobility if they are unable to reproduce. This is similar to how the worms are evidence of fertile soil, showing how the women are the soil that men can plant on and create a baby. Furthermore, it describes the worms as being "caught by the sun" which describes how these women were forced to live this way and caught by a patriarchal society. Worms are also very powerless and weak compared to other organisms, which reflects how women are treated in the novel.
Evan, this is really interesting. Also, worms help to fertilize soil, which is what the Handmaids' role is in this oppressive society. I would keep track of the motif of soil/gardening throughout the novel. It reminds me of Serena Joy's gardening. Her sole purpose/the only way that she finds meaning in life is to garden because she can not bear children anymore. I think you're on to something.
DeleteI agree with you, Evan and Ms Kaufman!! Also a point to bring up is that the speaker is really intrigued by the garden, even with the fact that she is fertile and Serena uses the fertile soil and garden as a distraction from the fact she cant have children. Maybe this happens because Serena Joy has something that is truly hers and that she can focus on, while we know that the speaker is very bored in her life. I don't think that the speaker appreciates the fact she is fertile and able to bear children. This is all she can focus on because it is her job, and it does not mean much to her anymore, but maybe as the novel proceeds she will find something to focus on that means something to her.
DeleteThis is a really good point I agree with you! I think that the connections you made are great and really help me connect with the novel. However, I also think that when it says "the grass to either side is damp" it is talking about how these women are stuck in this shelter with no freedom, however if they leave it doesn't get much better. This reminds me of the quote "the grass isn't always greener on the other side" because no matter where they go they don't have freedom.
DeleteI really liked how the worms and women were connected. At first I wasn't able to see that but now i can see it and see the women's role in their society. I thought that the "half-dead" meant that some women are considered useful because they are fertile while the ones who aren't fertile to bare children are considered as useless as the dead. In addition, they also show how the worms are pink like lips saying which in my opinion, represents how the lips are one of the few things that are noticed when looked at women, The way they look and the things they are useful for is how they are seen by society and men. Instead of looking at their personality they focus on the outer qualities and the benefits the men could get from them.
DeleteAfter reading this quote again, I am seeing another possible way to look at it as well as this way. When it is talking about how it had rained, the air was humid, the sun beaming down, I took it as in this society 100% of the focus for the handmaid's lives are in fertilization, and how even though the conditions are perfect as listed above with the worms everywhere as signs of these conditions, the worms and handmaid's are only have alive in peak conditions, showing how ill treated they are even in peak conditions, much less when the handmaidens and worms aren't producing for their society one can imagine how they are treated then.
ReplyDeleteThis was a reply to Evan's quote. I made a slight mistake
DeleteThat's okay, Charles. It's a nice reply!
Delete"They wear lipstick, red, outlining the camp cavities of their mouths, like scrawls on a washroom wall, of the time before." (28)
ReplyDeleteWhat does this description of the lips made by Offred show about this society and Offred herself?
The description of the lips, and the color especially, stood out to me quite a bit. In this description of the Japanese tourists, Offred (the narrator) is describing the women with negative connotation, but the color red sort of negates that idea of negativity. Already, red is a motif in this book, and it has been described as desirable, and something other women are jealous of. The connection between that want of red because of status and this observation of red by Offred, who wants that "freedom" again shows the role of color defining status and freedoms one has in this book. It's also interesting how Offred doesn't even like red on herself, but she looks into this lipstick, wanting it anyway. Furthermore, the scrawls on a washroom wall is another interesting comparison. The writing on washroom walls is slightly vulgar and interesting at the same time. Women aren't allow to read pushes this idea of Offred wanting this freedom of being able to wear red lipstick and all these things that the Japanese women can do.
I really love your interpretation of this passage; you connected it very well to the motif of color, which is something extremely noteworthy. In addition to your analysis, I think the juxtaposition of red lipstick- a stereotypically feminine, hygienic product- and cavities- which are indicative of a lack of hygiene- comment on the way in which the dystopian society functions; on the surface, like red lipstick, there is vigor and vitality within the life of women in this society. However, upon closer inspection, one can see the cavities, or the tragedies and absence of liberty, within the life of these Handmaids. Since this description is of the Japanese tourists, who outwardly appear content with their lives, Atwood may be commenting on the Handmaid society that exists within all women; perhaps she is commenting on the internalized oppression of these foreign women, and how this oppression prevails under a society, such as the society of the Japanese, that does not overtly showcase this misogyny and sexism.
DeleteI found your comment Nora, really interesting, but I was wondering what if the author’s repetition of the color red was used to highlight Offred’s envy and anger towards the women, due to Offred’s description of the inside of their mouths: “camp of cavities” which is very harsh, but I won't deny made me laugh. I think Atwood’s intention with the lipstick was to put the spotlight on the female characters in the novel and how they crave beauty and Offred is jealous that she does not have the option or freedom to be beautiful and express herself like they can.
Delete"What if I were to come at night, when he’s on duty alone – though he would never be allowed such solitude – and permit him beyond my white wings? What if I were to peel off my red shroud and show myself to him, to them, by the uncertain light of the lanterns? This is what they must think about sometimes, as they stand endlessly beside this barrier" (29-small book).
ReplyDeleteThe Handmaids' job is to have sex and conceive; it is obviously non consensual yet they still want more sexually. They and the guards all seem very bored and unfulfilled. What does this tell us bout the nature and principles of the society, and the people in it?
It is ironic that this is a very strictly religious society, yet it is focused on sex because they want the women to bear children. Yes, it is just a job the handmaids have but it is clear that especially the speaker longs for more. The speaker is trying to flirt with the guards and they are receptive by giving her a wink. When the speaker starts questioning and fantasizing about what would happen if she went further with the guard, she exposes that they have equally boring lives with little to no meaningful interactions. All of this shows that the society is fully dominated by religion and its citizens have no right to independent thought. The speaker's desire for sex reflects the reality that trying to conceive a child and being emotionally and physically intimate are not the same. She wants a human connection, and she is not getting it through her job. Sex and being intimate now symbolizes something that the speaker cannot have.It is an unreal thing that she can only have fantasies about. The guards most likely feel the same way, as the speaker mentions, because they have nothing more to do than just to stand in front of the building all day. This brings up more questions of why can't these people find something more in their lives, and is there something more? Also, will the guards or the speaker act out upon the lustful feelings they are having?
I agree with you, I think that it is indeed strange that in a puritan society they are so focused on sex. I feel that they need to have sex with their higher powers to feel that they have accomplished something. They can feel somewhat useful and important in a world where woman are not treated respectfully.
Delete"this woman has been my partner for two weeks. I don't know what happened to the one before. On a certain day she simply wasn't there anymore, and this one was there in her place. It isn't the sort of thing you ask questions about, because the answers are not usually answers you want to know. Anyway there wouldn't be an answer." (19)
ReplyDeleteWhat does this passage say about the way women are treated and how they are valued as less than men in this novel?
I think that this passage highlights how in the novel the handmaids are depicted as women who are just needed for having babies. If a women is infertile the blame is put completely on the women, and none onto the men. When the passage states "this woman had been my partner for two weeks, I dont know what happened to the one before" I think it shows how woman are viewed as more of a sexual object than a human.This is because if a handmaid was unable to have the commanders child, they would "get rid of them" in a sense because they were mainly only used for one thing. However, they never had a problem finding a new women to become their handmaid to replace the "bad seed" (infertile woman).
I think you've made a really good point about how the women in this novel are seen as lesser than, and their sole purpose is the job assigned to them whether that be a handmaiden or something else. I believe that the quote you picked does a good job at highlighting how the women in this novel are barely even seen as human, showing that whatever happens to them does not truly matter. Even with the strange disappearance of the women no one seems to care or attempt to find out if anything is wrong. There is prominent lack of empathy towards the females portrayed in this novel.
DeleteThis is very interesting, Adrianna! I think that it also connects back to the idea that the powerful figures in this society say that they are "protecting" women, but they are actually over-powering and oppressing women in the process. There are no choices that handmaids can make for themselves, and you explained it perfectly when you said that women in this society are viewed as more of sexual objects than humans, which is completely unfair.
DeleteI had a slightly different perspective towards this, but I still agree with you totally. The way you analyzed it gave me a new perspective towards it. I completely forgot to take into consideration about how they are also used for having babies. This happens to dehumanize the handmaids in this society even more. They don't have any options in this society as a handmaid. If they can't have the commander's child then they are just useless. And then get replaced like nothing. Horrible society.
Delete"I take the chicken, wrapped in butcher's paper and trussed with string. Not many things are plastic anymore. I remember those endless white plastic shopping bags, from the supermarket; I hated to waste them and would stuff them in under the sink, until the day would come when there would be too many and I would open the cupboard door and they would bulge out, sliding over the floor. Luke used to complain about it. Periodically he would take all the bags and throw them out… She could get one of those over her head, he’d say. You know how kids like to play” (27).
ReplyDeleteWhat does the plastic bag symbolize? How does this relate to the dystopian society in which Offred lives in?
Plastic is a material that is non-degradable; it can be reused multiple times, and thus its service is immeasurable. Its versatility is noteworthy as well, as plastic comes in many varying forms for varying purposes. Simultaneously, however, plastic is feared for its permanence, for the toll it issues on the Earth. Hence, these plastic bags symbolize the abilities of liberated women, as these abilities are diverse and permanent in nature. Like the plastic bags, women who predated the Handmaid society racked up on these capabilities, as Offred “stuff[ed] them in under the sink”, highlighting how plentiful and copious the achievements of women were. Correspondingly, Luke, the male figure in this passage, occasionally threw out these bags, out of fear that they would harm/interfere with the well-being of his and Offred’s children. This male fear of the plastic bags can be perceived as the male fear of the accomplishment of women, in that these accomplishments deviate from the socially prescribed ambition for women: the preoccupation with/commitment to offspring. Thus, the paper bag reflects the new, “corrected” purpose of women; like these paper bags, the Handmaids’ primary job is to encase meat, which symbolically can be perceived as the encasement of a child (alluding to conception and pregnancy). The abilities of these entrapped, limited women are frail and susceptible to destruction in the dystopian society, similar to the way in which paper can be easily ripped and torn.
I agree with your analyzation of the plastic bags and how they symbolize women. All of these similarities about women and the bags makes a lot of sense and I think Atwood did this on purpose. I also think that bags are thought of as useful only because they hold things which reflects how in this society, women are only thought of as useful because they "hold" babies and give birth. Bags also being disposable shows how women were viewed as replaceable and "endless", as said in the passage. I also wonder what the line, "until the day would come when there would be too many and I would open the cupboard door and they would bulge out, sliding over the floor" reveals about women.
ReplyDelete“Ordinary, said Aunt Lydia, is what you are used to. This may not seem ordinary to you now, but after a time it will. It will become ordinary.”
ReplyDeleteHow does this quote exemplify why patrical standards have been long held in society?
This quotation found near the end of chapter 6 depicts Offred and Ofglen, the pair standing by The Wall as they marvel at the dead bodies of people who were executed by having been hung as of results to Gilead orders. This image now planted in Offreds mind and is quite disturbing for her. She makes an attempt towards hiding her natural disgust and mask it by substituting her feeling with none at all adding a nonchalant “blackness”. Her mind automatically chooses to do this because she has been brainwashed to not analyze the situation. While she is ignoring her own detestation of what she saw, she ponders upon something Aunt Lydia's once said in regards to how life in Gilead will “become ordinary.” this statement showcases the impact of a totalitarian patriarchal state like Gilead has on people. Societies like this succeed in conditioning the natural human response of disgust into “blankness,” to transform disgust of conditions into normalcy, Gilead is prime example of this as it forces people to believe that they're (gilead) always right. It all become accepted because this what people are used to.
I agree Anna, and I think the way you analyzed this passage was really interesting and unique. You said that her mind automatically chooses not to analyze the situation because she is brainwashed, and how this life has become so ordinary to them: I think this is very similar to when Offred was watching the Japanese Tourists that were outside of the grocery store. "Ofglen stops beside me and I know that she too cannot take her eyes off of these women. We are fascinated, but also repelled. They seem undressed. It has taken so little time to change our minds, about things like this." (28) This reveals so much about the way patriarchy has changed their perspective and caused them to internalize these kind of standards as normal.
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ReplyDelete"Showoff", a voice hisses, and this is true. A woman that pregnant doesn't have to go out, doesn't have to do shopping. The daily walk is no longer prescribed, to keep her abdominal muscles in working order. She needs only the floor exercises, the breathing drill. She could stay her house and it's dangerous for her to be out...Jealousy could get her, it's happened before. All children are wanted now, but not by everyone " (26).
ReplyDeleteWhat does this jealousy the other women direct towards a pregnant woman reveal about a patriarchal society's effect on sisterhood?
In accordance to this quotation, when women are made to compete with one another, instead of uplifting each other, the society they live in lacks any form of sisterhood. Since they all strive to conceive a child, one being brought into the world should typically be a celebratory occurrence for them all. However, those that are pregnant utilize it as a way to demean those that aren't, as they view it as a symbol of their superiority and importance in society. Ofwarren came into the store to pompously boast to the others, and the others undoubtedly both envied and loathed her. All in all, this symbolizes that in a patriarchal society such as this one, the women that succumb to or abide by the standards set for women are viewed as the epitomes of ascendancy, while the others are left to resent them.
I agree with your claim, Oumy, because you would expect women to support each other when it comes to pregnancy and child bearing. However, this society degrade women who cant give birth which causes the hatred from the ones that cant give birth towards the ones that can.
DeleteAdditionally, we continue to see this hatred and distrust between women in this society. The narrator talks about the other handmaid she walks with, "I think of her as a woman for whom every act is done show, is acting rather than a real act"(31). Here, it's is clear that most of the women in this society don't trust each other. The society has broken the sisterhood with the competition of childbearing seen between handmaids.
DeleteThe question you asked with the quote is really interesting, along with your analysis. Adding on, I think that this society is trying to break the bonds of these women in order to have more power over them. With this tension the women don't have anything keeping them together, giving them power over the men. Furthermore, I think it's interesting to note that Offred doesn't like this society, and she doesn't like her job. This pregnant woman, to Offred, may seem as some sort of brag that she can provide something for this society that is so wanted, which can also provide some insight to Offred herself.
Delete“But we can do it, a little at a time, a quick move of the head, up and down, to the sides and back. We have learned to see the world in gasps”(30). ‘
ReplyDelete`
This passage here, to me, demonstrates the oppression in society and how that has forced the ones being oppressed to conform instead of fight back for freedom. The society has embedded in women that a woman is supposed to be covered and their dressing has somehow blocked them to fully experience freedom. They only get to see and experience freedom in gasps. Their dressing and the wings all stand as the wall blocking them from freedom. Additionally, this passage goes on to demonstrate how Margaret Atwood is mocking the patriarchal idea that women are suppose to look a certain way. By telling women to cover up, society is taking away their right to live and be free.
Your analysis is very interesting! I also think that the women's clothing represents a border between freedom and their society. The "blinkers" make it hard for the women to get a full view of everything that is around them, and I think that represents the path that this society has laid out. Every person has one job, and there is no time to have the freedom to look around at your surroundings and have an idea of where you are really living. I also think that is the reason why the main character always refers back to the old way of life, because it is the only real way of life that she has ever known.
Delete"A group of people is coming towards us. They're tourists, from Japan it looks like, a trade delegation perhaps, on a tour of the historic landmarks or out for local color." (27)
ReplyDeleteWhy are the woman in Japan not being treated this way? Is it just America that treats woman this way?
I honestly feel confused on the fact that Japan is not treating their woman any differently than the woman in America. And I really don't understand why America would allow Japanese tourists into America, and the woman from Japan are being treated differently? Is it just the woman from America that are looked upon like this? What makes the woman from America any different than anywhere else? Are the men looked upon as powerful and strong, while the woman are treated like toys that can be played with. Woman in America in this distopian society are treated with no respect and are treated like dogs, not looked upon as humans. Why is the commanders wife different what makes specific woman different?
Zachary Schiller
Interesting interpretation and can you expand on your ideas of women being 'treated like dogs' ? On page 28, it states "We are fascinated, but also repelled. They seem underdressed... That was freedom" and from that same passage, I understood that the standards of self-respect instilled in the women about themselves distorts their own definition of self-respect. They are taught that they must hide themselves and, if they expose any part of themselves, they are then tarnished and penetrated. This is very bizarre and unnerving for the two women to have to see, as it is so different from what they are accustomed to.
Delete“The sidewalks here are cement. Like a child, I avoid stepping on the cracks. I’m remembering my feet on these sidewalks, in the time before, and what I used to wear on them. Sometimes it was shoes for running, with cushioned soles and breathing holes, and stars of fluorescent fabric that reflected light in the darkness. Though I never ran at night; and in the daytime, only by well-frequented roads. Women were not protected then” (24).
ReplyDeleteThe narrator describes her memories of sidewalks from when she was young. How does the description of her past portray her present role as a woman in this society?
The description of the sidewalk demonstrates the differences of the narrator’s life in the past and present. “...stars of fluorescent fabric that reflect light in the darkness” highlights the idea that her life before a handmaid must have been better than what it is like now. Her freedom of clothes symbolized “light in the darkness”. Additionally, the narrator used to be able to wear what she pleased. This contradicts the modern society that she lives in, where women do not get the freedom that they wish to have. Ironically, the narrator mentions how she used to only run on the sidewalks that were by well-frequented roads, and she never ran at night. She says, “Women were not protected then.” It is interesting how the idea of protection has changed from when the narrator was younger to where she is now. The fact that women are given very little power or freedom in exchange for what is described as “protection” seems ultimately unfair. The narrator is showing how although women aren’t given the opportunity to wear what they would like to wear and do what they would like to do, in the eyes of the society she lives in, that is the definition of protection and order.
I agree with your interpretation!! I feel like life for women has changed drastically because, just like you said, women were free to do what they pleased to do then. Now, however, they are held on such a short leash. They're being protected because they're important to society, but they aren't allowed to live the way they want to. Women aren't being praised for their importance, but instead tortured.
DeleteI think your analysis is spot on. Through small observations we learn about how the past was vastly superior and much more free than the present. In the past the role of women was obviously much different, and the world seemed to be a happier place. Now all they have going for them is their present day "protection" and which is all but a hoax.
Delete"The street is almost like a museum, or a street in a model town constructed to show the way people used to live. As in those pictures, those museums, those model towns, there are no children." (23)
ReplyDeleteWhat does this model town represent and how does it connect to what society is like for the handmaids now?
When the narrator describes a model town from the past, she makes sure to include that there are no children shown. Children in the past life were seen as positive, but in this new society, children are just seen as a product from work. When you think of children, you usually think of family, and these women do not have the longing for a family. It is just part of their job. They do not view children as a gift, but just as an everyday object. That is why children are not seen to be in the picture of "model town". Also, before this quote, the narrator also includes that the lawns or mowed and tidy, which brings up the idea of gardening that is shown throughout the novel so far. Citizens of this society seem to care a lot for landscape, which, like children, is a living thing that must be looked after. This also connects to Serena Joy's garden and how she uses her fertile garden because she can not have children of her own.
I had a slightly different interpretation of this. I believe that the lack of children in this model society doesn't represent a woman's lack of desire to have children in this society, it represents the man's lack of desire for women. In this society a woman's sole purpose is to have children, while the men rule every other aspect of society exclusively. When the narrator describes this desolate town as the heart of Gilead, she shows us that the heart of this society does not supply blood for women, it beats only for men.
Delete"He begins to whistle. Then he winks.
ReplyDeleteI drop my head and turn so that the white wings hide my face, and keep walking. He's just taken a risk, but for what? What if I were to report him?
Perhaps he was merely being friendly. Perhaps he saw the look on my face and mistook it for something else. Really what I wanted was the cigarette.
Perhaps it was a test, to see what I would so.
Perhaps he is an Eye" (18).
Why doesn't she just accept the face that this guy was flirting with her, but instead continues to assume things about him?
I think Offred has become accustomed to her new life and rules, that she believes everyone has, too. She doesn't understand that this man might just be interested in her because she believes that is impossible. She is so used to her role in society that she knows she doesn't have the right to be free and talk to the man. I feel like she, along with the other Handmaids, are treated almost like slaves in this society. They have so much importance and purpose, but they aren't allowed to show it. Their only purpose is to be able to take care of the Commander's home and hope that one day they'll be given a little bit more power. But until then, Offred will continue to doubt herself and her rights, and think that this man is just "being friendly".
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DeleteI really like your analysis of the quote but I think I disagree to some extent. I think it's accurate that the narrator is always doubting herself and her rights but I feel that the reason she comes up with all these excuses and these assumptions is because she is afraid. I think, rather than doubting herself, she is doubting the society she is living in because she believes that there is no longer love but just cruel change in humanity. Perhaps this belief stems from the ending of her relationship with Luke who we just learned is not dead (so I'm just going to assume that their love died in a horrible matter). I feel that whatever tore their relationship apart has given her the fear that she will not experience happiness anymore and that she will, instead, experience anger and change.
DeleteI think the narrator is just so used to her world now. It is unusual for men to look or talk to women, so in a way the narrator was looking after herself by being suspicious if this man because it all could have been fake and a ploy. I think of it as the narrator doubting Nick rather than herself and she knows what "rights" she has. I do agree with how women are treated as slaves because I connected it to them being treated like prisoners.
DeleteI think that your analysis is great, and I completely agree with your argument! As I read this part of the book I thought the same thing. The narrator is so accustomed to her role in society that she would never think that this man would be hitting on her. Another thing I thought of while reading this part was that, just like in todays society, women have to make excuses as to why a man is catcalling or hitting on them.
Delete“That one is a little plumper than I am. Her eyes are brown. Her name is Ofglen, and that's about all I know about her. She walks demurely, head down, red-gloved hands clasped in front, with short little steps like a trained pig’s, on its hind legs. During these walks, she has never said anything that was not strictly orthodox, but then, neither have I. She may be a real believer, a Handmaid in more than name. I can't take the risk” (19).
ReplyDeleteI chose this passage as it seemed to resonate with me for whatever reason. I really enjoyed the style of Atwood’s writing, here especially, because it revealed several messages such as the clear terror that the narrator tried to gulp down throughout the novel, so far at least. This short passage demonstrated how each and every character lived in terror but that there was no mutual trust among the handmaids. When Atwood wrote, “I can’t take the risk” it shows the reader how there was always a fear that someone was watching them, which of course, summons the question of what changed in the society and what lead to that said change. I also took note that Margaret Atwood brought up the color red once again which I think plays a large role in the story. Atwood repeatedly mentions the color as a sort of symbol for something though I’m not sure what it is just yet. If I were to make an assumption, it would be that the color symbolized the women based on something Atwood wrote in the previous reading. The author writes, “everything except the wings around my face is red: the color of blood, which defines us” (08). Now, I’m not entirely sure how the color red represents the women so I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter. All in all, though, I think this passage really gave us some insight on how the women feel and act in the situation they’re in.
“I remember the rules, rules that were never spelled out but that every woman knew: Don't open your door to a stranger, even if he says he is the police. Make him slide his ID under the door. Don't stop on the road to help a motorist pretending to be in trouble. Keep the locks on and keep going” (24)
ReplyDeleteThis quote examines and amplifies the stereotype that all men are out to get women, and never have good intentions towards them. Men in this context are seen as doers of evil, never to be trusted especially by a female. Precautions had to take place before any sort of interaction with a stranger, which leads to automatic assumptions about an entire group of people. Women within this novel have been taught not to trust anybody, especially men unless they have a close personal connection to them. These principles from the past are in large part why this society functions on such a backwards level in the present. This idea directly ties into misogyny within our own society as well, and the false notion that some people hold to men. A small part of our society should not represent everyone who falls into a particular category.
I agree that men have a negative connotation in terms of communication/contact with the opposite sex. I think that Margaret Atwood is trying to show how much our society groups individuals based on stereotypes. I find it interesting that the quote says, "a stranger", but follows through by only referring to "he". This shows that in the eyes of women, men are the only ones who can hurt them and that a woman cannot harm another woman. In addition, if a man (motorist) shows any need for help, they are automatically "pretending". Not only does the society view men as aggressive but they also look down on and cannot accept the fact that men need help too.
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ReplyDelete“ “Showoff,” a voice hisses, and this is true. A woman that pregnant doesn’t have to go out, doesn’t have to go shopping. The daily walk is no longer prescribed, to keep her abdominal muscles in working order. She needs only the floor exercises, the breathing drill. She could stay at her house. And it’s dangerous for her to be out, there must be a guardian standing outside the door, waiting for her. Now that she’s the carrier of life, she is closer to death, and needs special security. Jealousy could get her, it’s happened before. All children are wanted now, but not by everyone.” (26)
ReplyDeleteWhy are children and pregnancy so deeply valued in this society? What is the author trying to achieve by making this theme so prominent in this book?
I think that the desire for children and birth shared by so many women in this book foreshadows the loneliness in their society. The narrator constantly reiterates the people she used to know and has lost, sharing the lack of familiarity she experiences. People long for contact and have very little freedom for themselves. This book is very confusing in terms of the message it is trying to portray, but I think a very important and compelling theme is isolation. What the author may be trying to do is build up individual character development so that the readers can experience this story from a unique perspective.
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ReplyDelete"There is more than one kind of freedom, said Aunt Lydia. Freedom to and freedom from. In the days of anarchy, it was freedom to. Now you are being given freedom from. Don't underrate it." (24)
ReplyDeleteAre the gained “freedoms” in this current world better than “freedoms” in the old world?
I find it interesting how Aunt Lydia believes, as she is supposed, that their current world is better because women are free from being catcalled, abused, or being taken advantage of. This is all at the expense of being free to do other things such as reading, going out alone, and just having conversation with either male or females. The narrator says “women were not protected then”, which also struck me because there are some truths to this statement. Although made me question whether she is in favor of her life now, or then (24). This seemingly contrasted with how she often reminisces about her old life, such as her husband and childhood, which were were made out to be pleasant memories, that she would perhaps like to go back to. This twisted perception of freedoms also contrasts with the prisoner like treatment of women. They are to be accompanied out to town with another women, but not to keep themselves safe as they say, but to make sure the other is not conspiring. They are not often allowed out of their living quarters just for leisure. Men with guns stand on guard as they go into town.
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ReplyDelete“If it is a story I'm telling, then I have control over the ending.Then there will be an ending, to the story, and real life will come after it. I can pick up where I left off. This isn't a story I'm telling. It's also a story I'm telling, in my head, as I go along. Tell, rather than write, because I have nothing to write with and writing is in any case forbidden. But if it's a story, even in my head, I must be telling it to someone. You don't tell a story only to yourself. There's always someone else. Even when there is no one” (39-40).
ReplyDeleteWhy would the narrator make the decision to address an implied reader that this story is being told rather than written ?
By semi breaking the 4th wall and assuming that someone is there and following the protagonist through this tale, our narrator has established a more personal relationship with the readers. Although it is not your typical first person fictional novel, the acknowledgement of the readers into a novel that is, “told rather than written” creates a sense of complete unawareness in both the narrator and reader. Naturally, when reading any novel the narrator/teller is expected to be conscious of the ending, it is their responsibility to hold that piece of information, in this novel the custom in literature has been flipped and now both the reader and narrator are in the dark. Though some may see this change as interesting and daring, others may be uncomfortable with the narrator acknowledging their existence. Personally, I think it’s a great idea, it adds to the personality of our narrator, which is very knowledgeable and aware. It has been evident from the start that our narrator is intelligent, her confronting the listener/reader only confirms this.
"The two young Guardians raising three fingers to the rims of their berets. Such tokens are accorded to us. They are supposed to show respect, because of the nature of our service." (21)
ReplyDeleteI found this piece of the story very interesting. This is due to the fact that the Guardians are the ones that have to show complete respect to these handmaids. The reason that i found thin interesting was because, usually in many cultures the people who are respected the most in society are men and not women. This book, although it does have some parts that are in fact sexist, really put women at a high standard and I find that great. Another thing I found interesting about this was that the only reason that the Guardians have respect for them is, not only because they are women, but because they can have children.
“This woman has been my partner for two weeks. I don’t know what happened to the one before. On a certain day she simply wasn’t there anymore, and this one was there in her place. It isn’t the sort of thing you ask questions about, because the answers are not usually answers you want to know. Anyway there wouldn’t be an answer. ” (19).
ReplyDeleteThis quote by the narrator is aiming at a problem that consists of a handmaid's identity in this society. When the narrator says that “there wouldn’t be an answer” it made me think to myself how handmaids in this society don’t even have a voice at all. It seems like they do not have a choice at all to speak, which dehumanizes them from society. The way that handmaid’s can just be replaced by another handmaid also stands out to me. The society just sees them as objects. The way you throw out a pen when it doesn’t have anymore ink left and replace it with another one that has ink reminds me of how these handmaids are treated. If one of them isn’t doing a good job or they are worthless for a certain reason, then they can just get easily replaced. Clearly since it says, “I don’t know what happened to the one before”.
"Then I find I'm not ashamed after all. I enjoy the power; power of a dog bone, passive but there. I hope they get hard at the sight of us and have to rub themselves against the painted barriers, surreptitiously. They will suffer, later, at night, in their regimented beds. They have no outlets now except themselves, and that's a sacrilege. There are no more magazines, no more films, no more substitutes; only me and my shadow, walking away from the two men, who stand at attention, stiffly, by a roadblock, watching our retracting shapes." (22)
ReplyDeleteWhy does she want attention/ power?
This shows how she feels like she wants attention because back in the house she isn't spoken to and is only used for her ability to bare a child. In the house she feels used and not wanted. When she is able to go around in the streets, she feels like the men want her and she has the power to make them want something that they can't have. Meanwhile, back home, she doesn't have any power because the commander gets to 'have' her whenever he'd like.
In addition, while the men cannot say anything to the ladies, today, the men who watch the girls walk down the street are allowed to catcall them anytime they'd like. The men in this time period have to make sure the ladies are safe and cannot speak to them. Meanwhile, the men in today's time catcall any girl walking past and while some might like the attention, others find it scary or rude. In this society, we aren't allowed to answer to tell them to leave us alone because it might put us in danger.
Delete"We turn the corner onto a main street, where there's more traffic. Cars go by, black most of them, some gray and brown. There are other women with baskets, some in red, some in the dull green of the Marthas, some in the stripped dresses, red and blue and green and cheap and skimpy, that mark the women of the poorer men"(24)
ReplyDeleteWhy are the poorer women outfitted in stripped dresses of bright colors? You would assume that the bright colored clothes would be reserved for the wealthier women since they are likely more expensive.
I believe that the poorer women are outfitted in brighter, stripped, clothing because it's reminiscent of old american culture, where color was common and worn as an expression of individuality and happiness. However, in this society dark colors are associated with masculinity, wealth, and power, thus making dark colors more in fashion, particularly for women, who have so little power that they will do anything to appear more powerful than someone else.
"The car is a very expensive one, a Whirlwind; better than the Chariot, much better than the chunky, practical Behemoth. It's black, of course, the color of prestige or a hearse, and long and sleek. The driver is going to over it with a chamois, lovingly. This at least hasn't changed, the way men caress good cars" (17)
ReplyDeleteI chose this passage because I noticed how it can be easily over-looked, yet each sentence is rich in text to analyze. To begin with, Atwood is describing cars from most valued to least. I took it as the men were the Whirlwinds, the Aunts the Chariot, and the Handsmaids the "chunky, practical Behemoth" (17), progressively becoming more common and less valuable as you go down the list. If we continue through the quote linearly, Atwood describes the physical traits of the Whirlwind. Atwood says the Whirlwind is "black of course" (17), and black is often associated with business, or the suit of a man. Atwood also says black is the color of prestige, emphasizing that such a color could only be used by a man. After this, Atwood talks about the way the driver cleaning the car with love. The driver is cleaning it with a chamois which is a soft leather from the skin of a sheep or lamb, which is probably quite expensive. This shows how much men love a nice expensive car, or in other words, how men love to spoil themselves. Atwood goes on to talk about how the way men treat their cars at least have not changed. This implies that many other things have changed, another sign that the world used to work differently. Perhaps the way women are treated is one of the big changes that have occurred in this society? I am interested to see if anyone agrees or disagrees.
I really like the deepening of the quote you delved into. At first when I read this line, I glossed over the symbolism but noticed the religious undertones. Reading your analysis opened another branch of thought. I agree with your insight on the color and care analysis. I think that to further the analysis, Whirlwinds in real life are massive seen by all, and a big deal. This helps support your claim about the car meaning power. Despite a Behemoth also being a big thing, it is animalistic and crude, very much more natural than sleek and technological like the description of the cars before. Overall, I like your analysis of the quote and agree.
DeleteThis is a very interesting point of view Charles! While reading this part of the chapter I did indeed "overlook" the detail Atwood put into this quote. My initial thought was the fact that it said a Guardian was the one cleaning the car. I found this odd because Guardians seem to have a high ranking in this society, so why would they be washing a car? Doesn't the defeat the image Atwood created that women do all the cleaning? However, I see from your argument that this might also be a way that Atwood used to create a stereotypical view on men.
Delete"Excuse me," says the interpreter again, to catch our attention. I nod, to show I've heard him. "He asks, are you happy," says the interpreter. I can imagine it, their curiosity: Are they happy? How can they be happy? I can feel their bright black eyes on us, the way they lean a little forward to catch our answers, the women especially, but the men too: we are secret, forbidden, we excite them. Ofglen says nothing. There is a silence. But sometimes it's as dangerous not to speak. "Yes, we are very happy,' I murmur." (29)
ReplyDeleteI find this passage interesting because it is the first time the story encounters people from another county, in this case the people they encountered were Japanese. It is completely understandable and relatable the fact that someone could be unhappy in this novel. Atwood in a way puts the Japanese tourists in the shoes of the reader. In my opinion, she does this because she wants the reader to be asking this question. I have asked myself multiple times during the course of my reading, are they happy? How could anyone be happy in this seemingly terrible society?
"I stop walking. Ofglen stops beside me and I know that she too cannot take her eyes off these women. We are fascinated, but also repelled. They seem undressed.It has taken so little time to change our minds, about things like this. Then I think: I used to dress like that. That was freedom."(28)
ReplyDeleteWhy does it take the narrator so long to realize that she used to dress like those women? Why was their fascination followed by repulsion?
Ofglen and Offred are repelled because they haven't seen women so "undressed" in a long time. The term "undressed" suggests that the women were taught that any part that would reveal a women's body structure should be covered. If they do not hide themselves, the women are revealing sexuality, and exposing themselves to the temptation of men. In parallel to our society, women are expected to adjust to the behavior of men and if they don't, it is their fault if a man takes advantage of them. It takes a while for the narrator to realize that when she had freedom, she dressed just like these women."It has taken so little time to change our minds" shows that the narrator knows that she has been brainwashed to think that freedom is unusual. The ability to dress the way you want to dress is only a small part of freedom but Ofglen is shocked by this idea. It can be inferred that she has been a handmaid longer than Offred who still remembers the feeling of being free.
"I feel a tremor in the woman beside me. Is she crying? In what way could that make her look good?" (33)
ReplyDeleteIn a society where every woman is going through the same injustices, Offred still snaps to two things, judgement and looking good for society. This woman is obviously distraught but no one blinks an eye, no sisterhood is found. Offred also states how "that can't look good", in an attempt to impress or think of men in society. Why is this the case when they cant even make contact with the men? This paradox draws to front the impossibility of living in this society as a woman, and even more so living AGAINST other women.
In this society, despite women dressing very similar, if not the same, everyone is still focused on beating out other women. They are focused on presenting themselves and putting down others. What happened in this society for the mistreatment of women to get this bad?
this would have been posted before ten but i signed out by accident instead of publishing.
Fortune Ndombo
ReplyDelete“She said, Think of yourselves as seeds, and right then her voice was wheedling, conspiratorial like voices of those women who used to teach ballet classes to children, and who would say, Arms up in the air now; let’s pretend we’re trees. I stand on the corner, pretending I am a tree” (18-19)
My Initial Thoughts/Questions:
-What does Conspiratorial mean? ~def. A secret plan that is shared and is harmful or illegal.
-When is states, “...woman who used to teach ballet…”, The author is again reminding the reader of the setting and that the protagonist has seen a past unlike how it is currently.
Response:
It is clear to me that while in the gym/holding place for Handmaid’s, the Aunts tried to manipulate the woman into being perfect, similar to the example given about the ballet teachers. However, what’s really surprising is not the fact that they might live in a controlling and dictating society (since we already know this is a dystopian society), but how the protagonist seems to understand that she was being manipulated at the time. But why then does she not have a submissive mindset? The reader knows that Offred is “not stupid”, and that she also has some defiance in her, which could be because she has lived long enough to see the world pre-coup. We see this when she admits craving to “commit the act of touch” (11) and to smoke a cigarette, both violating the rules of a Handmaid. Why does she not act on this defiance? I think this question is best answered by Chimamanda Adichie when she states that many women believe that “pretence is an artform”. However, when Offred says she stands on the corner pretending to be a tree, I do not think she truly believes pretending to be someone other than yourself is advised, I believe she understands that she has limits in this society that would be dangerous to go against. But, if she so chooses to go against all that she’s been taught, she will be wise about it.
So sorry posted to B band on Monday:
ReplyDelete“It has rained during the night; the grass to either side is damp, the air humid. Here and there are worms, evidence of the fertility of the soil, caught by the sun, half dead; flexible and pink, like lips.”
The main character relates dying, mushy worms to lips which goes to show just how much romance has been lost. In this society love is half dead worm dying in the sun. She even goes to mention the fertility of the soil, because that is all that is important, her fertility. The society wants her to live without lust or romance, but still having plenty of babies. She and the soil are rated upon there fertility because within the bounds of this society she is dirt. They do not care about her wellbeing or happiness, only that she does her job. The way she compares societies standards to dirt and dying worms also shows her lack of respect for this way of life. She does not want to be living this way, but sees no good way out.
So sorry posted to B band on Monday:
ReplyDelete“It has rained during the night; the grass to either side is damp, the air humid. Here and there are worms, evidence of the fertility of the soil, caught by the sun, half dead; flexible and pink, like lips.”
The main character relates dying, mushy worms to lips which goes to show just how much romance has been lost. In this society love is half dead worm dying in the sun. She even goes to mention the fertility of the soil, because that is all that is important, her fertility. The society wants her to live without lust or romance, but still having plenty of babies. She and the soil are rated upon there fertility because within the bounds of this society she is dirt. They do not care about her wellbeing or happiness, only that she does her job. The way she compares societies standards to dirt and dying worms also shows her lack of respect for this way of life. She does not want to be living this way, but sees no good way out.
I also responded in B band
ReplyDeleteI agree, but also this quote reminds me of the Lottery because while she looks to him for a connection, he turns away out of fear. It’s sort of like how the villager continued the cruel tradition of stoning people to death because they are to scared to change. Some of the townspeople mention how other places have stopped and Mr. White ends the notation with his response. The way this main character looks to this man and the Marthas for any kind of connection is similar to how Ms. Hutchinson looked to her neighbors to understand how this tradition is wrong, but like they did, he just turned his head.
Quote:
ReplyDelete"The sidewalks here are cement.Like a child. I avoid stepping on the cracks.I'm remembering my feet on these sidewalks, in the time before and what I used to wear on them.Sometimes it was shoes for running, with cushioned soles and breathing holes and stars of flourescent fabric that reflected light in the darkness. Though I never ran at night; and in the day time, only besides well-frequented roads."
Andrew Najjar
Question:
How does this passage relate to a life that she might have had before this whole entire new life she was forced into? Does it make you have an idea of the freedom and independent life she used to have?
Analysis:
I think that yes she did you to have a life where she could shine bright. She had freedom and could stay true to herself. I quote " I avoid stepping on the cracks", I never ran at night."
She now can even leave the place she lives in without guards breathing down her neck. She avoided stepping on the cracks because she is scared to bring hardship into her life. This line goes right back to the simple line of If you step on crack you break your back. She does not want to change who she is. Also when she says"The flourescent fabric reflects light in darkness. Even when she makes a mistake she has the power within herself to fix that mistake and still shone in her brightest hour. However she said I never ran in the dark, she never really had to face the fact that she was wrong or had to fix a problem. But now she has to find a way to be who she was and find a way out of this problem