"The Handmaid's Tale" Analysis and Discussion

"The pen is mightier than the sword." This is a cliche line, but in "The Handmaid's Tale," this proves to be true.  The pen is introduced during one of the few scrabble scenes, which are in themselves overflowing with symbols. "The pen between my fingers is sensuous, alive almost, I can feel its power, the power of the words it contains. Pen Is Envy..."  The pen is more than a pen and also exactly what it appears to be.  "Pen Is Envy" refers to Freud and his ideas.  It outlines the power that accompanies being of the male gender.  The pen is a symbol of masculinity and control in this instance.  Also, the pen is an outlet.  "..the power of the words in contains."  The use of a pen can lend a voice to one that previously did not have one.   It allows thoughts to be shared in secret, or for the whole world to see.  For Offred, the pen represents the freedom she does not currently have and the gender that oppresses her.


"There is more than one kind of freedom... 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."  At first it is difficult to decide which choice is the better option, being able to decide for yourself and accept the consequences, or not have to worry about harm or the like.  This idea is mostly directed towards women in "The Handmaid's Tale."  Instead of having the freedom to choose who to marry, whether or not to reproduce, or what clothes to wear, they attain the ability to not worry about being raped or domestically abused.  The way this idea is used in this novel is twisted and unwholesome, but used in moderation and/or the appropriate context this idea could be highly beneficial.  


I greatly enjoyed "The Handmaid's Tale."  The ideas in the novel were so foreign that I did not want to stop reading, and while many of the events in the novel were disturbing and depressing, there was much to consider and reflect on in the novel.  Few of the extremes seen here are often present in everyday life, but that does not mean that is impossible for them to occur.  This book lent insight not only into the psyche of a person potentially driven mad by loss, but the strength that accompanies not giving up.  The description of Offred created a connection that made me desire her happiness and safety, even though by the end of the novel it was apparent that her happiness was highly unlikely.  All in all, this is my favorite book of the year.

"We" by Yevgeny Zamyatin

In "We," a novel rife with a religious-like devotion to the Dystopian society of OneState, the only true higher power that is worshiped is the Benefactor, but strong parallels also create a Christ-figure that can be followed throughout the novel.  I-330 appears to D-503 in the first eight pages, a striking woman in a uniform world.  At first I-330 is an enigma that completely confounds D-503 because she has a knack of controlling the people and things around her. Her very presence introduces new ideas into D-503's head, ideas like creativity, passion, and a possibility of rebellion.  All of her actions, from seducing D-503, to frequenting the Ancient House, and leading the Mephi show her desire for the freedom, love, and simple happiness that is denied the people of One State.  She wants to bring these things not only to herself, but the people around her.  Though her seduction of D-503 is not exactly Christ-like, the love and happiness that forms from her enticement of D-503 brings his soul to light.  The soul enriching behavior and goals of improvement for the good of humanity display I-330's desire to improve the quality of life for not just herself, but for others of the society.  Finally, I-330's execution by the Benefactor shows her martyrdom.  She dies for her cause, and her punishment is even described as a crucifixion, even though she is electrocuted and not crucified.

"Her smile was a bite, and I was its target.  She sat down.  She began to play.  Something wild, spasmodic, jumbled--like their whole life back then, when they didn't have even the faintest adumbration of rational mechanics.  And of course those around me were right to laugh, as they all did.  But a few of us... and I... why was I among those few?  

   Yes, epilepsy is a mental illness--pain... A slow, sweet pain--it is a bite-- let it bite deeper, harder.  And then, slowly, the sun.  Not this one, not ours, shining all sky-blue crystal regularity through the glass brick-- no: savage, rushing, burning sun-- flinging everything away from itself--everything in little pieces. (Zamyatin, 18)"

Music drives people to insanity, it saves people from the edges of cliffs.  It can change not only a person's thoughts and perceptions, but their emotions and the hormones in the body.  This stems from the passion that goes into creating music.  For the first time, D-503 feels that passion and the wild abandon that accompanies music made from inspiration and joy.  Instead of hearing contrived songs that must have a specific purpose, he is introduced to not only the music, but the freedom that accompanies it.  

Though I don't agree with the totalitarianism and uniformity of One State, the idea of the society is fascinating.  The analytical natures of the people seem so unnatural, and I can't help but wonder how it could make sense to them that things such as murder, freedom, even happiness, can be factored out in some mathematical equation.  While I would never want to be in or near a society like that myself, reading about it is similar to watching a train wreck, you can't keep your eyes off.  The destruction of the simple things that characterize humanity such as love, passion, and creativity, can only lead to desolation and corruption, and seeing this allows me to really appreciate the fact that my mind isn't overly analytical.