Literature Essay on The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Similar to other modern fiction writers such as Toni Morrison, Fred Chappell and Ray Braddbury, by profession, nature, and training, Margret Atwood is a poet. Atwoods expressions and manipulation of language proves the psychological perversions using the multi-level rhetorical maneuvers, which juxtaposes the weakness with cruelty and vulnerability.

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The novel entails a narrator by the name as Offred who is a handmaid and goes shopping with her colleague, Ofglen. They use tokens to buy food and other stuff that they need. While walking around, Offred remembers how she worked and spent time with Luke. Most of the times she recalls her college mate, Moira and the things they did together, as well as her attempts of escape.

When Ofglen arrived at her abode she finds Latin words written on the floor of her wardrobe. Later, she finds out their meaning when she goes to meet the Commander in his study. Offred start the meeting with commander secretly, especially after Nick signals her by wearing a cap. During their conventions, she feels better because she assumed to be the mistress to the Commander . Also, Ofglen tells Offred of involving herself in a secret network of handmaids. Ofglen blackmails Offred to get information from the commander so that they can escape. Ofglen tells Offred that she is aware of her secret meetings with the commander. The handmaids watch a salvaging process under which after the exercise, the wives and daughters leave, but they gathered in a circle and are informed by Aunt Lydia about what had happened. As Offred is seated close to her window she hears a van after which Nick discloses to her that they are in the Maydays ("The HandmaidS Tale Summary From Litcharts," 3).

The plot is chronological; it encompasses Offreds activities such as drama, which leads them to trouble. Also, it incorporates flashbacks where Offred recalls her friends, her daughter, and her mother. Moreover, she also remembers her time when she was employed and moved freely with Luke.

The main protagonist in the novel is Offred whom which all events involve her and is present in all activities. She is present during the birth of Janines baby, the salvaging of the three people among other deeds. Her main antagonist is Ofglen (Serena Joy) who attempts to blackmail her to get information from the commander. She is also known of causing death of a handmaid who committed suicide after she leant that Serena Joy knew about her affair with the commander.

Most of these activities occur in the church, as well as the trading center. Others take place after the evening meals, and in the morning where Offred is woken up by knocks or birth sirens (Wisker, Gina, 44). Some of the cultural events are evident, especially during the salvaging period where the three people are killed after committing an offense. Ethnic settings are also seen when Janine gives birth to a baby and is led away.

The primary theme in the book is gender equality, as well as personal liberty against prejudice and ignorance. According to the argument of its author, these elements are associated such that inequality and prejudice result from restriction of freedom of speech and information in a totalitarian government. The story involves lack of freedom amongst the handmaids especially when they cannot get outside the compound (Bloom, Harold, 97). Atwood applies the over-zealous system of the Gilead incorporating its commanders and the stringent laws focusing on the role of women and men in the society to examine how the society classifies people depending on their roles. Also, in the novel there is the theme of the power of tradition because when people break their culture they are punished or killed.

The major stylistic element in the novel is metonymy which is being commonly used where Ofglen is used as a name to refer the handmaids who are blackmailing the narrator, Offred. Also, involves imagery since one has to create images or visions in the mind so as to understand the story and the symbolic ideas in the story. Moreover, there is literally allusion, Atwood states that, I would not be able to stand it, I know that; Moira was right about me. I'll say anything they like, I'll incriminate anyone. It's true, the first scream, whimper even, and I'll turn to jelly, I'll confess to any crime, I'll end up hanging from a hook on the Wall. [recall Winston's capitulation to Big Brother in George Orwell's 1984] (Atwood, Margaret,69). In the novel, there is foreshadowing, which is an ancient gesture reflecting acceptance, but it is empty. For instance, "Mayday," she says. "I tried it on you once." "Mayday," I repeat. I remember the day. M'aidez. "Don't use it unless you have to," says Ofglen. Other stylistic elements in the novel include the Biblical and historical allusion, and sense impression. About the former, Ofglen states, "Resettlement of the Children of Ham is continuing on schedule," says a reassuring pink face, back on screen. "Three thousand have arrived this week in National Homeland One, with another two thousand in transit" (107).

Works Cited

Atwood, Margaret. The Handmaid's Tale. 1st ed.,.

Bloom, Harold. Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale. 1st ed., Philadelphia, PA, Chelsea, 2009,.

"The HandmaidS Tale Summary From Litcharts | The Creators Of Sparknotes". Litcharts, 2013, http://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-handmaid-s-tale/summary.

Wisker, Gina. Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale. 1st ed., London, Continuum, 2010,.