The Handmaid's Tale was written during a backlash against the feminist movement. In class we discussed how the color red is related to the social system in Gilead, how it "outcasts" the Handmaids, sets them apart, and makes them visible to the Eye. In further discussion, we identified how the handmaid's seem to be prized for their fertility but forced into this social position as a result of past decisions such as abortion, divorce, or infidelity. This can be seen as a punishment, resorting back to older social roles instead of supporting feminist ideals. To build on this, I'd like to discuss a passage in Chapter 13 in which the handmaid discusses her spare time and boredom. She refers to 19th century art galleries in which paintings were "...supposed to be erotic, and I thought they were, at the time; but I see now what they were really about. They were paintings about suspended animation; about waiting, about objects not in use. They were paints about boredom. But maybe boredom is erotic, when women do it, for men (p. 69)." It is evident in this passage that she struggles with the past and present, in the freedom she once had and the lack of freedom she has now. The boredom, restriction from books, the "practice" to enhance fertility are mindless for the handmaids. It appears to be all too reminiscent of the idea commonly used in slavery, that ignorance will prevent power.
I'd also like to point out another part of Chapter 13 in which ideas commonly used in defense of rape or abuse are evident in this new society. The handmaids are brainwashed. In "Testifying," the women are asked to repeat "Her fault, her fault, her fault" to Janine who admitted to being gang-raped (p. 72).
Furthermore, "Who led them on? Aunt Helena beams, pleased with us. She did. She did. She did. Why did God allow such a terrible thing to happen? Teach her a lesson. Teach her a lesson. Last week Janine burst into tears. Aunt Helena made her kneel in fron t of the classroom...For a moment, even though we knew what was being done to her, we despised her. Crybaby. Crybaby. Crybaby. We meant it, which is the bad part. I used to think well of myself. I didn't then (p.72)."
It is interesting how Atwood used these scenarios to demonstrate how women are often the most "powerful" tool in condemning other women. If women are taught they are to blame, they will teach other women, and condemn the women who think otherwise. It is a clever way in which men can inflict what they want, by using other women. This is evident in how our society has struggled to change the way in which the legal system looks at rape and abuse. I enjoy these passages because they also show the handmaid's internal struggle between what is being taught and what she knows to be true in her heart or from a past time. These passages are very powerful. I believe that this supports the feminist movement and through colorful writing shows how disgusting it is to demean women in this way.
I'd love to hear how the rest of you interpreted these passages or themes throughout the book.
The boredom being erotic scenario totally reminds me of a quote I read about Twilight. I cannot exactly remember what it said, but it basically said something along the lines that in the film Bella's and Edward's complete lack of interest and boredom make them such good actors and actresses. Essentially, people like movies where they desire the main characters. Edward seems completely sexy throughout the movie, but at the same time he looks absolutely bored (if he's not flaming mad). Bella as well, the awkward character uses her boredom and makes it look cool because bored Edward (who looks really sexy) wants her too. So I think different types of speculative fiction use different uncommon moods to make something seem like something else (aka bored = erotic). That was probably not what you were looking for at all but it was what popped into my head right away!
ReplyDeleteWomen being the most powerful over other women just sounds like a more extreme version of gossip today. No matter what age, if there is a social setting of women there will always be some sort of competition. And usually it seems like some women use their brainpower over other women, even though they know it's wrong, it's the only way they seem to feel better about themselves.
I agree that the people around you have a huge impact with the way you look at things in life, especially those you are really close to or have a common connection with; which in this case would be femininity. Think about they way your parents tend pass along political views or other opinions about society. You hear and believe them until you are able to come up with your own opinions and learn more on your own. But with the conditions that exist in Handmaid's Tale, these women are technically not really given the opportunity to explore on their own, therefore are set on these "norms" that have been forced upon them.
ReplyDeleteI really like how Aimee pointed out that women dominating over other women could be representative of a form of gossip. Sadly, women face gossip at all ages. Lauren even said, " It is interesting how Atwood used these scenarios to demonstrate how women are often the most "powerful" tool in condemning other women. If women are taught they are to blame, they will teach other women, and condemn the women who think otherwise." This is actually a very sad element of life that women face. Maybe Atwood was trying to send a message to all the women readers, " Why do we/would you tear down another women? With that comes repercussions and are these outcomes worth the original fight? We should be supporting other women and not "condemning them."
ReplyDeleteI agree with Atwood's suggestion that women are often the most powerful tool in condemning other women. We see examples of this all around us, such as when Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie had a very publicized falling out and they openly gossiped about one another to the news and media. (Sorry for a such a random example, but I watched The Simple Life recently!) As powerful as men are, I think that women truly care about the opinions that other women have about them because other women are often seen as our biggest competitors. Rather than support other women or be proud of their achievements, we bash them and gossip about them because that is what seems easiest. Although we have the opportunity to freely form our own opinions, unlike the handmaids, we have to be cautious because it can be easy to form your opinion based off someone else's. The handmaids had ideas put into their heads, but we should embrace the fact that we can create our own ideas and opinions.
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