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The Handmaid’s Tale
Symbols
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Margaret Atwood uses color to symbolize many things throughout the novel, for example, Atwood uses color to symbolize status amongst the people. The commanders wife wears blue , the handmaids wear red and the martha’s wear green. Margaret Atwood also uses color as symbolism, on page 12, Atwood states, “...tulips are opening their cups, spilling out color. The tulips are red, a darker crimson towards the stem, as if they have been cut and are beginning to heal again “. This sentence could be used to describe the handmaids, and how Offred is feeling, like she has been cut and wants to heal again. Describing the red of the flower gives a deeper meaning and represents hurt and struggle that the handmaids have to go through.
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Margaret Atwood makes abundant use of color for establishing symbolism in the novel. Atwood makes some objects more colorful if they are more positive and makes other objects darker and more dull to symbolize something negative. When Offred is talking about the smile of a beggar, she describes it as if "the green-painted plaster ceiling were opening and God on a cloud of Pink Pearl face powder were coming down" (46). Earlier, however, she explains that she sees "a funeral: three women, each with a black transparent veil thrown over her headdress" (44). It is clear in the text that brighter colors are used for positivity and darker colors are used for negativity.
Abby wrote: "Margaret Atwood uses color to symbolize many things throughout the novel, for example, Atwood uses color to symbolize status amongst the people. The commanders wife wears blue , the handmaids wear ..."The symbolism of color for social status reminds me of the classical civilizations we learned about in middle school. Different colors represent different social classes and that was what each class wore, for example, only the elite was seen in purple colors in Ancient Rome because it was expensive to make purple dye. In a similar way, the Econowives represent a poorer class that does as much work as possible, symbolized by their "skimpy" dresses patched together with various colors, including red, blue, and green (Atwood 32).
Margaret Atwood uses symbolism in the novel to emphasize a point she is trying to make about the society represented in the book. A society that bases a woman's value on her ability to conceive and have a child. Atwood writes “Inside it is a space, huge as the sky at night and dark and curved like that, though black-red rather than black... Every month there is a moon, gigantic, round, heavy, an omen. It transits, pauses, continues on and passes out of sight, and I see despair coming towards me like famine. To feel that empty, again, again”(74). Symbolism is used here in multiple ways, the color red is used to represent fertility and women's reproductive systems. The other example in this quote is the comparison drawn using symbolism between the vastness and emptiness of space and a woman's womb, specifically Offred's. Atwood is explaining how Offred feels empty and longs for a child, and every month she is reminded that she is without child, and thus useless in the eyes of society.
Atwood uses certain symbols to represent different aspects of the society in Gilead. Color is used to show the most vital characteristic of Gilead, childbirth. However, red can also be seen as a seductive, sinful color. The handmaids have to practice a ritual that involves sexual intercourse with the Commander, who is married. This could also be seen as a sinful routine due to its adulterous nature. The Commander's wife, Serena Joy is especially cold towards Offred, as most of the wives are, "She doesn't turn her head. She doesn't acknowledge my presence in any way, although she knows I'm there...Its not the husbands you have to watch out for...its the Wives...Of course they will resent you" (46). Another symbol could be the description of authority in Gilead. The Eye, the secret police and the Guardians and Angels. The police are often described as being abrasive, "Last week they shot a woman...She was fumbling in her robe, for her pass..." (20). The "always watching" aspect of the authority in Gilhead could represent oppressive surveillance or paranoia.
Eva wrote: "Margaret Atwood uses symbolism in the novel to emphasize a point she is trying to make about the society represented in the book. A society that bases a woman's value on her ability to conceive and..."Atwood uses names to symbolize status in the novel, the commander and the commanders wife have a high status, the Marthas are lower then the commander and his wife. At the bottom of the social hierarchy are the Handmaids. The name its self, as well as the colors are huge symbols in representing status in society. On page 15, the Offred is being moved to a new place and is meeting the commanders wife, Offred calls the wife "Ma'am" which then causes the wife to say, " Don't call me ma'am, she said irritably. You're not a Martha" Yes, the color red that Offred is wearing symbolizes her low status, but the names "handmaid" and "Martha" are great symbols of social ranking.
Jonathan wrote: "Margaret Atwood makes abundant use of color for establishing symbolism in the novel. Atwood makes some objects more colorful if they are more positive and makes other objects darker and more dull t..."On page 94, when Offred is being used for what Handmaids are meant to be used for in this novel, she brings up the canopy above the bed quite a bit. I believe that this canopy blue symbolize hope of freedom during this horrible time. Offred states " I lie still and picture the unseen canopy over my head. I remember Queen Victorias advice to her daughter : ' Close your eyes and think of England..." Offred is trying to distract herself from what is going on, she tries to picture the canopy and think of England. Offred also mentions that she is " under Serena Joys silvery canopy" Atwood decision include the fact that it is silver, because silver is a bright shiny color, it could symbolize a bright future, and hope.
Atwood utilizes symbolism in a multitude of ways in the book "The Handmaid's Tale". Not only does Atwood use symbolism in the form of colors to depict different social classes but she also uses it to reminisce on Offred's past life, before Gilead was established, in addition to the changes the creation of Gilead has caused. In the OB/GYN office, Offred sees a painting of a gold eye on a folding screen with a sword that has a snake intertwined with it (Atwood 60). Offred recognizes these symbols as bits and pieces of the medical symbol, the caduceus that she has seen in her past life. However, only parts of the caduceus painting being depicted in the office is symbolic of Gilead's doctors not actually being healers. The painting could also be symbolic of sin in the form of the snake while the sword poses a threat to people as the eye serves to show Gilead's watchful eye over the handmaid's every move. The snake representing evil alludes back to the epigraphs at the beginning of the book which included a biblical verse. The snake in the tale of Adam and Eve was symbolic of evil, similar to how it may be in this situation.
Sage wrote: "Atwood uses certain to represent different aspects of the society in Gilead. Color is used to show the most vital characteristic of Gilead, childbirth. However, red can also be seen as a seductive,..."I think of The Eye as symbolic of a sort of surveillance system used to scare the handmaids into cooperation with the rules of Gilead. The Eye represents an ever-present figure watching one's every move to ensure one conducts their day in moral accordance with the religion they follow in Gilead. The Guardians, Angels, and Police could be seen as an extension of The Eye's watchful presence, making sure one obeys the rules and does not fall out of line.
Abby wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "Margaret Atwood makes abundant use of color for establishing symbolism in the novel. Atwood makes some objects more colorful if they are more positive and makes other objects darke..."As well as brighter colors to symbolize hope for a bright future, there are multiple uses of dark imagery to symbolize a dark past. For example, Offred decides to point out "how dark the shadows were under people's eyebrows and along their cheekbones" when describing still photos of some war in American history (145). Clearly war and fighting is a negative part of history, due to unnecessary casualties that can be caused. However, she also expresses that "The interviews with people still alive then were in color" (145). Being one of few living people fighting in a war is a very positive thing. This could be Atwood subtly trying to let the reader know that all negatives have some positive balance to it.
Abby wrote: "Eva wrote: "Margaret Atwood uses symbolism in the novel to emphasize a point she is trying to make about the society represented in the book. A society that bases a woman's value on her ability to ..."I don't agree with your claim that Handmaids are at the bottom of the social hierarchy. There are many points throughout the book in which Offred says that her role in society is a very important one. Handmaids are referred to a necessities and one of the Aunts even draws a comparison between what Handmaids do and being in the Army, which is a highly respected job in society. An example of "Marthas" being looked upon as lesser than Handmaids is, “The dress is much like mine in shape, long and concealing, but with a bib apron over it and without the white wings and the bill. She puts on the veil to go outside, but nobody much cares who sees the face of a Martha” (9). This quote shows that Marthas are held at a lower social status than handmaids are because no one cares what they look like. They are not seen as desirable or respected in the way that Handmaids are.
Kyla wrote: "Sage wrote: "Atwood uses certain to represent different aspects of the society in Gilead. Color is used to show the most vital characteristic of Gilead, childbirth. However, red can also be seen as..."Just to build upon what both of you have said, I feel as though the names given to authoritative figures are all obviously allusions to Christianity. The Bible and Christianity seem to be very large themes in this novel. The Eye, the Guardians and the Angels were all put in society to keep order and enforce laws in Gilead, just the way God was said to do in the Bible. Atwood uses these names to symbolically show that the people are always being watched, especially by God, this all goes to show that Christianity is a cornerstone of society in Gilead.
Eva wrote: "Kyla wrote: "Sage wrote: "Atwood uses certain to represent different aspects of the society in Gilead. Color is used to show the most vital characteristic of Gilead, childbirth. However, red can al..."Yes exactly! However, I do not think Christianity in the form we know today in our society is the kind that serves as the "cornerstone of society in Gilead". As a result of the revolution that occurred in "The Handmaid's Tale" that spurred all of the drastic changes described by Offred, I believe that this form of religion is an extreme sect of Christianity. In other words, I think that the Christianity practiced in Gilead is a radical version and the government is a theocracy, structured and controlled by the rules and laws outlined by the revolutionaries.
Eva wrote: "Abby wrote: "Eva wrote: "Margaret Atwood uses symbolism in the novel to emphasize a point she is trying to make about the society represented in the book. A society that bases a woman's value on he..."I agree that the handmaids' role in society is very crucial but I think morally and ethically, their social status could be considered the lowest place. Even though they have consented to this lifestyle, in a way, they have not actually consented because this is their best option, the latter is to be a prostitute in a brothel. Handmaids are basically child conceiving prostitutes in their own way anyway and many people look down upon them even though their society revolves around their conception. An example of other social class' contempt for the handmaids is when Offred and Ofglen pass a funeral concession, "We pause, out of respect, while they go by...Beneath her veil, the first one scowls at us. One of the others turns aside, spits on the sidewalk. The Econowives do not like us" (44). Rita, a Martha who works in the same household as Offred, also expresses her dislike of the handmaid's work, "I heard Rita say to Cora that she wouldn't debase herself like that" (10).
Sage wrote: "Eva wrote: "Abby wrote: "Eva wrote: "Margaret Atwood uses symbolism in the novel to emphasize a point she is trying to make about the society represented in the book. A society that bases a woman's..."It is so mentally draining to be treated the way Offred and probably many other handmaids are treated. They are constantly beat down and treated unfairly, as seen with Serena Joy's actions towards Offred. Serena Joy dislikes Offred such much that she does not even allow her time to "...rest, for ten minutes, with my [Offred's] feet on a pillow to improve the chances [of Offred getting pregnant]" (Atwood 95). Although not allowing Offred the time to rest after the Ceremony is technically hurting Serena since the Ceremony occurred so Serena could have a daughter, she feels no respect or compassion to the handmaid who is having intercourse with her husband. Despite not having much of a choice or say in her situation, as you said, Offred is simply completing the Ceremony for the benefit of Serena, but Serena continues to be rude and treat Offred cruelly, further proving the subordinate position handmaid's hold in Gilead.
Symbolism is used in the novel with the the numerous encounters with color. The color red worn by the handmaids symbolize fertility, representing the menstrual cycle and giving birth." Everything except the wings around my face is red:the color of blood, which defines us"(8) Red usually symbolize power, but not in this case since the handmaids are vulnerable in a way they are expected to be involved with the Commander. Offred also relates the tulips to herself. She states "It is through a field of such valid objects that I just pick my way, every day and in every way. I put a lot of effort into making distinctions. I need to make them. I need to be very clear, in my own mind"(33). In life everything has a reason and she has to think through her decisions.
Jonathan wrote: "Margaret Atwood makes abundant use of color for establishing symbolism in the novel. Atwood makes some objects more colorful if they are more positive and makes other objects darker and more dull t..."This can also be observed with the outfits of the different social classes. As Offred describes, "Everything except the wings around my face is red..." (8). However, the Marthas outfits are described as "...her usual Marthas dress, which is dull green...but nobody cares who sees the face of a Martha" (9). The handmaids are dressed in red, a color often associated with vibrancy. The handmaids are seen as a crucial class in this society, the future population of Gilead rests almost solely on them. The Marthas are basically servants, they perform household chores like cooking and cleaning. Their role isnt seen to be as essential so their attire is dull and bland.
Not only does Atwood use color to show symbolism, but she uses comparison. For example Offred compares Serena to a withering flower, "Even at her age she still feels the urge to wreathe herself in flowers. No use for you, I think at her, my face unmoving, you can't use them anymore, you're withered" (82). Offred's train of thought was that if Serena is unable to have a child she is useless (Withering Flower). But she sees that her ability to have a child automatically makes her superior (Flourishing Flower). She uses this comparison to show that Serena cannot produce a child and it shows that she is weak.
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I agree with you Eva. Offred is a hand maid and her job is to be fertile to supply the republic of Gilead with children. Then there are Marthas like you said were basically servants and then there are the wives who are the highest ranking women in the society. The wives also have hold some power as shown when " ...there's still a black market... a women who might bend the rules"(14). But in my opinion the lowest ranking class was the econowives. Offred describes them as "...red and blue and green and cheap and skimpy, that mark the women of the poorer men...They have to do everything; if they can"(24).
Eva wrote: "Kyla wrote: "Sage wrote: "Atwood uses certain to represent different aspects of the society in Gilead. Color is used to show the most vital characteristic of Gilead, childbirth. However, red can al..."I really didn't think that deeply into the different names of the authority but that's actually a really interesting point. The whole handmaid lifestyle is supported by a singular biblical quote but at the same time the ritual handmaids perform can also be seen as going against one of the Ten Commandments, "Thou shalt not commit adultery". It appears to me that Gilead's society is very conflicting in different aspects.
Kyla wrote: "Atwood utilizes symbolism in a multitude of ways in the book "The Handmaid's Tale". Not only does Atwood use symbolism in the form of colors to depict different social classes but she also uses it ..."I agree with the fact that Atwood is using symbolism to look back on Offred's past life. Another example of this was when Offred was looking out of her window into the Commander's Wife's garden, "I once had a garden. I can remember the smell of the turned Earth, the plump shapes of bulbs held in the hands, fullness, the dry rustle of seeds through the fingers" (12). The garden can be symbolized as a position of status and power and also, it can be viewed as the past life Offred once lived.
Sage wrote: "Eva wrote: "Abby wrote: "Eva wrote: "Margaret Atwood uses symbolism in the novel to emphasize a point she is trying to make about the society represented in the book. A society that bases a woman's..."I completely agree with you that from a moral and ethical standpoint the handmaids have it the worst in society. My point was more so that from the perspective of Gilead's government, which is run by men, the Handmaids have a higher societal status. Yes the Marthas, Econowives, and even the Wives of the Commanders dislike the handmaids. However just because something is disliked by the women of this society, that does not mean it has a lower place in society. Atwood writes, "The two young Guardians salute us, raising three fingers to the rims of their berets. such tokens are accorded to us. They are supposed to show us respect, because of the nature of our service" (21). This quote shows how other men show the handmaids respect. In the end this society is based around men and their wants and needs, the opinions of other women don't matter from a governmental status because they have no part in it. So the handmaids are shown a certain respect from men because they are the sole reproducers of Gilead, essentially breeders.
Sage wrote: "Eva wrote: "Kyla wrote: "Sage wrote: "Atwood uses certain to represent different aspects of the society in Gilead. Color is used to show the most vital characteristic of Gilead, childbirth. However..."Yes the picking and choosing of what to abide by and follow in the Bible is very apparent in this society. In chapter 15 the women of the household are being read to parts of the Bible by the Commander, and this is what he reads, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the Earth... Give me children, or else I die. Am I in God’s stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb? Behold my maid Billhah. She shall hear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her”(88). Clearly it is constantly being reinforced to the women that reproducing is the most important thing they can do. But just as you said Sage, the Ten Commandments, the most important rules to follow in Christianity are being broken and completely ignored in Gilead, whether it is adultery or killing another person. The cherry-picking interpretation of the Bible in Gilead is a clear staple in their society.
Declan wrote: "Eva wrote: "Abby wrote: "Eva wrote: "Margaret Atwood uses symbolism in the novel to emphasize a point she is trying to make about the society represented in the book. A society that bases a woman's..."Although the Econowives seem to be the lowest female ranking class in the Gilead in the beginning of the novel, as you read on you will learn about what are known as Unwomen. Unwomen are feminists from before the Gilead had begun. This is clear in chapter 20, when Offred is watching a movie with Unwomen holding signs that state "freedom to choose," "recapture our bodies" and "do you believe a woman's place is on the kitchen table" (120)? Offred explains earlier that "Unwomen were always wasting time," which to me it seems as if Offred was brainwashed into thinking so due to the Unwomen having complete opposite beliefs of Gilead (118). This could be why Offred says that "they were Godless" a few sentences after as well (119).
The use of color is extremely powerful in this novel. This is prevalent in the different colors of dresses or uniforms based on your status in society. Atwood writes "There are other women with baskets, some in red, some in the dull green of the Marthas, some in the striped dresses, red and blue and green and cheap and skimpy, that mark the women of the poorer men. ... Sometimes there is a woman all in black, a widow" (24).
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Zach wrote: "Kyla wrote: "Atwood utilizes symbolism in a multitude of ways in the book "The Handmaid's Tale". Not only does Atwood use symbolism in the form of colors to depict different social classes but she ..."I think that the garden is a simple thing that is given great meaning through the circumstances they are under. Gardens used to be a common thing that just about anyone could have but now that they are under such restrictions only the elite are permitted to have them. It really demonstrates how those in power harness it and hold it over everyone else.
Melissa wrote: "The use of color is extremely powerful in this novel. This is prevalent in the different colors of dresses or uniforms based on your status in society. Atwood writes "There are other women with bas..."Absolutely, the use of color does depict where they stand in society. The color red is a color of shame and fertility. " The tulips are not tulips of blood, and the red smiles are not flowers, neither thing makes a comment on the other"(33). The flowers representing the reproductive organ.
Stephanie wrote: "Melissa wrote: "The use of color is extremely powerful in this novel. This is prevalent in the different colors of dresses or uniforms based on your status in society. Atwood writes "There are othe..."This is a very good connection, Stephanie! I find it ironic how the Commander's Wife has a garden full of flowers representing reproduction when she herself is infertile. I think it is almost mocking her how the flowers can create new life and she cannot.
Melissa wrote: "The use of color is extremely powerful in this novel. This is prevalent in the different colors of dresses or uniforms based on your status in society. Atwood writes "There are other women with bas..."You are completely right Melissa and I want to say that the most prevalent color in this novel is the color red. For example, "The red gloves are lying on the bed. I pick them up, pull them onto my hands, finger by finger. Everything except the wings around my face is red: the color of blood, which defines us"(8). Atwood utilizes the color red for many purposes and connects the color to symbolic gestures.
Zach wrote: "Not only does Atwood use color to show symbolism, but she uses comparison. For example Offred compares Serena to a withering flower, "Even at her age she still feels the urge to wreathe herself in ..."Certainly, the infertile women who are old relate to the dried out buds and flowers depict an image of sorrow. "Today there are different flowers, drier, more defined, the flowers of high summer:daisies, black eyed Susans, starting us on the long downward slope to fall"(270).
Abby wrote: "Margaret Atwood uses color to symbolize many things throughout the novel, for example, Atwood uses color to symbolize status amongst the people. The commanders wife wears blue , the handmaids wear ..."The obvious response to this is - okay now why use those colors??? This is how we deepen our analysis while improving engagement.
Sage wrote: "Atwood uses certain symbols to represent different aspects of the society in Gilead. Color is used to show the most vital characteristic of Gilead, childbirth. However, red can also be seen as a se..."But the red cannot be for sin bc according to the rules of this society they are doing "Godly work" in trying to procreate. Of course, we know that they are actually being raped - not exactly intercourse. The red must stand for something connected to their assigned roles.
Kyla wrote: "Sage wrote: "Atwood uses certain to represent different aspects of the society in Gilead. Color is used to show the most vital characteristic of Gilead, childbirth. However, red can also be seen as..."Right - a big brother that is female. Plus silver can be cold, like metal, or like a knife...
Eva wrote: "Sage wrote: "Eva wrote: "Abby wrote: "Eva wrote: "Margaret Atwood uses symbolism in the novel to emphasize a point she is trying to make about the society represented in the book. A society that ba..."No they do not have a higher status, they serve a high priority but are seen as vessels that are replaceable. After reading past the first few chapters, there is no way you should have this perspective. Look at how they are treated if they do not produce or follow instruction. And, look at their options if they refuse to be a handmaiden.
Melissa wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "Melissa wrote: "The use of color is extremely powerful in this novel. This is prevalent in the different colors of dresses or uniforms based on your status in society. Atwood writ..."nice building upon Steph's idea - actual engagement!
Think about the use of colors and the different figures, as well as the objects.