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Chapter 39; Being without being

Someone’s dignity and freedom is closely linked to the way a society is run. Many examples of this are present in chapter 39 of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaids Tale. The story comes down to an extremist government that takes over everyone's lives imposing it's radical rules upon whom it governs. The women are particularly targeted in this novel where the role of handmaids is depicted as an instrument for reproduction in a society that is facing a fear of extinction and giving up its destiny over to some religious principle.
One of the most distinct roles for women in this novel is handmaid and it is described as a servant of the regime while being used to conceive and carry a baby for infertile couples. These women a stripped of what used to be basic human rights and are made slaves of their respective Commanders. They cannot express any kind of thought or emotion, making them feel as if they were not even people. This is especially true for Offred, who throughout her third term as a Handmaid, is subject to innumerate amounts of degrading and isolating events. With her new Commander, who is far more flexible in bending the regime's rules, Offred do things that would not be acceptable otherwise. Unfortunately, he cannot achieve his goal of a relationship with her because he constantly bosses her around and Offred can’t object to it. 'I am to understand also that I am on display' (Atwood 316). This quote put into context represents a situation when the Commander brings Offred into the public and shows her off like an object. This type of dehumanizing event is forced onto her and is an obvious demonstration of the annihilation that Offred must endure. Another situation, very ordinary and common in nature, brings more light to Offred’s reactions to the enslavement. Offred thinks 'There is something reassuring about the toilets. Bodily functions at least remain democratic.' (Atwood 317). This makes the thought of being human comfort her. The thought of choosing to do something independently and having another human (not trying to control her) in her vicinity makes her feel like more of a person.

Brief, Offred’s lack of control over her own life and the way she is treated makes her feel like a tool to a society and nothing more. The system objectified her from the beginning when she was named a Handmade, she does not have her own name she holds her Commanders, her life is only shown to have the worth if carrying another.

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  1. Anonyme19 novembre 2018 à 06:48

    After the horrible moments endured in gilead, I agree that having the most littlest feeling of humanity is a good sign for Offred. Being an instument of life as carrying another is her only job, the emotions get hidden after a while of living this undispicable life. To add, it isin't her fault she ended up in this place. In other words, being kidnapped and taken away from your daughter is just another problem she has. Having to endure carrying an unwanted child, listening to many orders and staying quiet without saying a word or complain, takes all of your strenght, energy and even humanity. To conclude, Offred is a strong independant woman that is in need of a positive moment in her life presently, considering all the challenges she has and still has to face.

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