Handmaids Tale Notes
Question 1: Written language is not neutral. Explore this idea making reference to your experience of written language.
Written language can only be neutral if it has a non biased with preconceived values/beliefs, and the author or the narrator must not favour any side of the conflicts at hand.
Written text is Not Neutral- supported by “The Handmaid’s Tale” written by Margaret Atwood
(Main Points)- Play on words, Point of View, Neologism/Connotations of words, Intertextual links, Epigraphs, Historical notes, Context all support this
Point of view: story is told through Offred’s eyes- we only see situations the way she interprets them- her perspective her feelings and thoughts- we are not shown anyone else’s P.O.V- e.g we don’t know how the commander feels about being forced to be in the relationship’s with the handmaids- we don’t know anyone’s thoughts on situations- only what they say
Just because Offred’s life was perfect before doesn’t mean everyone’s was- new life could be better for some people e.g the aunts.
Offred is viewed as a biased protagonist
“it isn’t a story I’m telling, It’s also a story I’m telling, in my head, as i go along. Tell, rather then write, because i have nothing to write with and writing in any case if forbidden” - Pg 49
Play on words:
e.g “pen is envy”- penis envy- (thought to herself in commander’s study)- she wishes she had the same power and rights as men(his freedom/chance to/for knowledge)
e.g red sounds similar to read- ironic because the handmaids are not allowed to read and have to wear red.
e.g May/June- May Day, Offred’s real name is june- link to months- maybe linking Offred to the rebellion- she was maybe alway meant to be apart of it.
e.g Salvaging: if a male in power e.g a doctor rapes a women they are executed by literally being torn to pieces- salvage sounds very similar to savage- what the handmaids tale is (new society)- to they by acting in a savage manner (executions) they are
Written language can only be neutral if it has a non biased with preconceived values/beliefs, and the author or the narrator must not favour any side of the conflicts at hand.
Written text is Not Neutral- supported by “The Handmaid’s Tale” written by Margaret Atwood
(Main Points)- Play on words, Point of View, Neologism/Connotations of words, Intertextual links, Epigraphs, Historical notes, Context all support this
Point of view: story is told through Offred’s eyes- we only see situations the way she interprets them- her perspective her feelings and thoughts- we are not shown anyone else’s P.O.V- e.g we don’t know how the commander feels about being forced to be in the relationship’s with the handmaids- we don’t know anyone’s thoughts on situations- only what they say
Just because Offred’s life was perfect before doesn’t mean everyone’s was- new life could be better for some people e.g the aunts.
Offred is viewed as a biased protagonist
“it isn’t a story I’m telling, It’s also a story I’m telling, in my head, as i go along. Tell, rather then write, because i have nothing to write with and writing in any case if forbidden” - Pg 49
Play on words:
e.g “pen is envy”- penis envy- (thought to herself in commander’s study)- she wishes she had the same power and rights as men(his freedom/chance to/for knowledge)
e.g red sounds similar to read- ironic because the handmaids are not allowed to read and have to wear red.
e.g May/June- May Day, Offred’s real name is june- link to months- maybe linking Offred to the rebellion- she was maybe alway meant to be apart of it.
e.g Salvaging: if a male in power e.g a doctor rapes a women they are executed by literally being torn to pieces- salvage sounds very similar to savage- what the handmaids tale is (new society)- to they by acting in a savage manner (executions) they are