An essay written as extra work, graded A, on the theme of Language in The Handmaid's Tale.
Note: the essay was a practice essay submitted to a teacher prior to studying quotes and hence, it focuses predominantly on the theme and not the quotes.
Language
The theme of language plays a significant part in The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.
The novel takes place in a totalitarian theocracy known as Gilead, where the ruling governance
uses language to control the people. The novel's protagonists, the biddies, are particularly
affected by this power dynamic because the governance restricts and controls their language
and communication.
The government in Gilead has developed a new language called" Newspeak" with the intention
of confining citizens' capability to express opposing shoes. To reflect the testament of the
governance, expressions and words are removed from the language and new words are
created. Language is manipulated to control people's studies and beliefs and help them from
challenging the government's authority.
The government's use of language has a particular impact on the biddies. They're pertained to
only by the name of the man they've been assigned to serve, and their names are taken down
from them. The biddies are reduced to the status of property as a result of this, which serves to
bestialize them. Also, the biddies are unfit to communicate with one another, so they must use
enciphered language and gestures to express their studies and feelings.
The novel also looks into the idea of resistance and how language can help people repel the
control of the governance. Offred, the main character, struggles with the oppression she goes
through and how it affects her internal and emotional state. Offred is suitable to maintain her
sense of tone and humanity through her inner studies and recollections, despite the
government's sweats to control her language and communication. She's suitable to flash back
and use the language that was interdicted in the history, which allows her to repel the
government's control.
Eventually, The Handmaid's Tale is a potent disquisition of language. The news demonstrates
how language and communication can be manipulated by a governance to control its citizens. It
also looks at how people can use language to repel this control and keep their sense of
humanity and tone- identity. The novel serves as an exemplary tale about the troubles of
granting one group or government too important control over language and the significance of
securing individual freedom of expression.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller khelan6. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $3.10. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
