After reading chapters 8-10,comment in proper English on the following essential questions:
-what more have you learned about society (old and new)
-what more you have learned about our speaker (old and new)
-what you have figured out regarding how Atwood uses specific language and techniques (italics, capitals, figurative language, allusions...)
You post should focus on one of the topic above. Label it with your name and the topic (society, speaker, language). Language and techniques bloggers will receive more points if the posts are thoughtful.
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In the society there are many things are strange and have changed. In chapters eight through ten the speaker explains that songs with the word free were considered dangerous to the society (Atwood 54). This shows the society has some type of freedom problem which may mean their might not be any at all. Also on may days the women would come out in sandals and sundresses but not anymore because they now wear red (Atwood 43). The society also seems to have been in a war because their are large empty houses with weedless lawns (Atwood 44). What i learned about the society is that some tragic disaster must have occurred and changed the community like a war or something of that sort.
ReplyDeleteMona Dwedar
ReplyDelete(Language)
What you have figured out regarding how Atwood uses specific language and techniques (italics, capitals, figurative language, allusions...)
-From the Atwood’s language, religion is a priority in Gilead. For example, “’Under His Eye’ ” (Atwood 45). I found this to mean that God is always watching. Also, Offred remembers Aunt Lydia say, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do “(Atwood 46). This reminded me of turn the other cheek. The quote basically means forgive others because they don’t know right. This related to turn the other cheeks because it means to forgive a person for their wrong actions, since they do not know better. Aunt Lydia also stated, “God made them that way but He did not make you that way. It’s up to you to set the boundaries. Later you will be thanked” (Atwood 45). This is basically saying that the women are supposed to follow God and the bible, this way they will go to heaven. Also, in chapter ten, the only word Offred is allowed to read is “FAITH” and it is also capitalized (Atwood 57). It was “…the only thing they’ve given me (Offred) to read” (Atwood 57). She sings Amazing Grace, as well, and it is also italicized (Atwood 54). Lastly, hallelujah is also italicized (Atwood 55). This connects to the church because hallelujah is said in a church.
- I noticed that Atwood only puts quotations around the dialog between Offred of Ofglen. This could possibly be because Ofglen is the only person Offred feels close to. She is isolated from the world, all but Ofglen. Offred says, “I am like a child here...” (Atwood 53). She is also considered “...a household chore, among many” (Atwood 48).
-I believe that Offred isolation led to her pessimistic point of view. She states, "thrusting themselves (flowers) up, to what end? They are, after all, empty. When they are old, they turn themselves inside out, then explode slowly the petals thrown out like shards" (Atwood 45). She views the flowers as “empty” and that they are just going to die. She finds their growth pointless because they will die eventually. Also, she states, “The knife she used was sharp and bright, and tempting. I would like a knife like that” (Atwood 47). This quote, to me, meant that she wanted to die. She wanted a knife like that because it was “sharp” and death was “tempting”.
After reading chapter 8-10 I learned that the new society is really strange things. One example is that they hanged someone and put placards that read “Gender Treachery.” It was two Guardians that had been caught doing homosexual acts. I also learned from the society they have another group of woman called the Econowife (Atwood 44), they were wives of poorer men and hated handmaids. I learned from the speaker about her past and how she really happy with Luke, but they both didn’t know that and how she examined her room that she lives in now. She learned from that room that there was Latin phrases in the room “Nolite te bastardes carborundorum” (Atwood 52).
ReplyDeleteAfter reading chapters 8-10, i learned that Offerd had bisexual friends, she also witnessed her mother burning porn magazines (Atwood 38). I also learned that the Econowife were women that were the wives of poorer men and they hate the handmaids (Atwood 44). I also learned that Serena Joy, is the Commander's wife. The Commander's wife hates Offerd because when the Commander's wife sees her, she sees all the future that she has in front of her (46). When Offerd was looking through her room she found a note from a previous handmaid that said “Nolite te bastardes carborundorum”(52). Which means don't let the bastards grind you down in Latin.
ReplyDeleteSemir Pupovic
ReplyDelete(Language/Society)
I realize, now, that this society is tied around the idea of religion, specifically Christianity. I just thought about researchingthe name of the society, which is Gilead. It turns out that "Gilead" means hill of testimony or mound of witness in the Bible.
There are also some terms reffering to god such as, "Under His Eye" (Atwood 45). This is said as Ofglen and the speaker part their ways on the street. In this society the Handmaids must walk in pairs, and when they split up to walk alone, the two women probably said to be under the protection of god (his eye). Also, these sororities remind me of the Nuns of the curch. In the end this entire society circles around the religion of Christianity.
Language
ReplyDelete-what you have figured out regarding how Atwood uses specific language and techniques (italics, capitals, figurative language, allusions...)?
After reading chapters 8-10 I discovered that Atwood use of italics show the drastic change between the speakers’s present and past. For instance Aunt Lydia said, “... not even stockings on them, no wonder those things used to happen. Things, the word she used when whatever it stood for was too distasteful or filthy or horrible…” (Atwood 55). I believe Atwood is tying to hint at the past and that something horrible happened because of the way women acted in the past. When I saw this I thought of the type of society the speaker now lives in. It made me wonder what “things” Aunt Lydia was referring too. She speaks so badly of the past and I think it is because of the bad event that occurred that changed society. If so, what is the event? Atwood’s use of italicizing “things” showed me that Aunt Lydia, along with the rest of the women suffered a tragic event because even the speaker herself said Aunt Lydia used the word when something was “horrible” or “filthy.”
Santos Martinez
ReplyDeleteSociety-
After reading 8-10, I learned that they hang the men who commit crime, but they create a funeral for the women who create crime. The male priest and the Guardians were hung from the same wall that the doctors and scientists were hung to show an example of what can happen to someone who breaks the rules of the Gilead. On the other hand, the woman who was going to abort the child she was having was killed as well, but she had a funeral where the women payed respect for the woman who died with the baby she was going to kill (Atwood 44). Another thing that I learned from this society was that the men aren’t allowed to talk to the women. Nick was asking the Handmaid a question and she just nodded without giving a vocal response. She learned not to give her voice to the men because of Aunt Lydia and her lesson on how God made the flesh weak and for the women to set boundaries (Atwood 45).
Speaker:
ReplyDeleteThe speaker, Offred realizes that she does not have to be sad since all the handmaid's and the commanders wife envy at least something about each other(Atwood.47) Offred realizes this when she comes back from shopping and brings back the best of groceries but it never pleases Rita.Offred learns to accept when someone was standing next to the door where she stayed. Offred called the room hers for the first time(Atwood.49)This shows that she is finally taking on reality instead of just living in the past.
-What more have you learned about society (old and new)
ReplyDeleteI think that in the Gilead society, there is a major religious contradiction. The book shows some catholic religion like " Blessed be the fruit " (Atwood 19) or "hallelujah"(Atwood 55). Yet in the beginning of chapter 8 a priest is hanged because his garments made him look conspicuous, and two homosexual guards are hanged for "Gender Treachery"(Atwood 43). Catholicism holds priests as valuable religious leaders, but holds homosexuals to be a disgrace to society. So the fact that a priest and a homosexual were hanged is sort of a contradiction in my head.
I also found how the speaker describes Serena Joy or Pam as an interesting thing. She criticizes her name (Serena) Joy and says that it sounds like it can be the name of a shampoo. But then the speaker talks about Serena Joy's old profile. The speaker says that Serena Joy was a singer, but she eventually started to make speeches (Atwood 45). There was an attempt to kill her, but it failed (Atwood 43-44). The speaker sets another flashback of the times when her and her husband would watch her hysteria (Atwood 44). Serena Joy then became speechless and old (Atwood 44). I believe that this is big because it sets an example of how people have changed after the society changed. The speaker describes it as " Something like this must have happened to her, once she saw the true shape of things to come true"(Atwood 44). Maybe Serena Joy saw the "true shape" (the change in society) coming and she decided to give up and let herself get swept up by those change of events.
It seems that the Econowives don't like Handmaids. When Ofglen and the speaker both try to pay their respects to the dead, the Econowives scowl and spit at the Handmaids (Atwood 44). The speaker even says, " The Econowives do not like us"(Atwood 44).
In the Gilead society it is forbidden to say "free"(Atwood 54) I think that that is an example of how the society limits or even takes away all of the freedom. Offred sing another verse " I feel so lonely, baby... I feels so lonely I could die"(Atwood 54). Offred says that it is also forbidden to say that, but I think that saying " I could die" is forbidden. Committing suicide could be a serious thing and it is forbidden in this society. It could also be referred as a sin since Catholicism believes that suicide is a sin.
1. What more have you learned about society (old and new)?
ReplyDeleteThe society in The Handmaid has changed a lot over time. In the old society women were respected and they had more rights along with freedom. In the old society, women would smoke and drink as much as they wanted and they didn’t have a man controlling what they do, “owning” them. “…one dangly earring, the gold fingernail she wore to be eccentric, a cigarette between her stubby yellow-ended fingers. Let’s go for a beer” (Atwood 27). This quote shows that the woman can wear whatever they want and do as they please. In the new society, woman are owned by men and they have control over what the woman do. In front of the woman’s name there is the word “of” to show that they are the “property” of the men. Showing what I learned about the women from the old society moving into the new society.
Matthew Alfieri
ReplyDeleteSociety
After reading chapters eight through ten of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, I have begun to notice society’s strong affection for both birth and children. After an unknown cause spreads throughout the world, society is altered and women are no longer equal to men. Not being able to live life as they once did, these women are left with a single purpose: to bear society with children, ensuring the survival of the Gilead Republic. In the eyes of society, children provide not only rebirth, but hope. Hope that for years after the demise of the current civilization, Gilead’s teachings and tradition will continue to be taught and followed, as they shall be the teachers. In a world where fate lies within the children, pregnancy is eagerly welcomed and those who try to avert and prevent its occurrence will suffer at the hands of custom. Whenever a pregnancy happens to be thwarted, by some rare chance, grievance and hurt are all that is felt. For when one potential child dies, they become an Unbaby, representing a piece of fallen hope within society. Funerals are held for them, but they do not lie within common caskets, but rather tiny black jars, symbolizing an unripe uterus, holding what was one,among many saviors of society (Atwood 44). Their mothers wear all black, crying at their failure to carry out their one purpose. Some could care less, knowing that they will once again carry another, an endless cycle of maternity. Others, such as the Handmaiden, feel as certain mothers feel. The pain, the agony, the stab in the belly (Atwood 44). Within the Gilead Republic, youth represents fate and when fate dies, so does the reason to live.
Mayada Musleh
ReplyDeleteSociety
-What more have you learned about society?
In the new society, I have learned that songs, especially with the word “free” in them, are not allowed and considered dangerous. “Such songs are not sung anymore in public, especially the ones that use words like free” (Atwood 54). Maybe this is because the society doesn’t want people to think of freedom, and that they have to be dependent and obedient on society. It seems as if their thoughts don’t count. Also, in the old society, I have learned that the women could wear whatever they wanted, and even throw parties. “I’m giving an underwhore party” (Atwood 56). The women were freer to do whatever they pleased, “It’s big in the suburbs, once they start getting age spots they figure they’ve got to beat the competition. The Pornomarts and what have you” (Atwood 56). This shows that the women were free in this old society, doing as they want. Also, when Atwood speaks of the Econowives, and how they don’t like the Handmaids. Offred chooses to sympathize with the Econowives and their losses at the funeral. The Econowives then scowl at them, not feeling any sympathy from them. “The Econowives do not like us” (Atwood 44).
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ReplyDeleteAlice Liang- What more you have learned about our speaker (old and new)
ReplyDeleteI learned from chapters eight through ten that speaker has changed. The speaker used to be with independent in the past but now she's married to Luke. She's no longer by herself or depending on herself. From what the speak said "Before we were married and I was solidified (Atwood 50)", this means the speaker was independent. She was an unmarried woman and on her own. The word solidified means to become solid like to untie as a strong one. In the past, the speaker was stronger and more stable when she wasn't married. After she was married she was nervous (Atwood 51). This shows that she went from strong to weak to stable right now. The speaker changed over time because of her marriage to Luke. The speaker's old form (past) was more independent and stronger than the new form (present) now.
LauraAshley Pfeifer
ReplyDelete-what more have you learned about society (old and new)
During the past of the society, women had a lot of rights, as it seemed. In the present of the Republic of Gilead, men are not supposed to be near women. This is because the men would automatically want the women. Women were afraid of this happening so they walked in twos. One quote that shows this would be "...it's the Commander, he isn't supposed to be here.....He is violating custom" (Atwood 49). This quote shows how men were not supposed to be in the women's quarters. Offred, the speaker, wondered what would happen to the Commander when he wasn't supposed to be near any women. This also shows that the past society drastically changed to a different kind of society. The Republic of Gilead was a new society in which women lost most of their rights.
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ReplyDeleteTaylor Capone
ReplyDelete3. What you have figured out regarding how Atwood uses specific language and techniques (italics, capitals, figurative language, allusions...)
Throughout chapters 8-10, the author has used literary devices to demonstrate symbolism and emphasizes on specific words or phrases. The author includes italic words within a sentence to emphasize on the meaning of that specific word. "Things, the word she used when whatever it stood for was too distasteful or filthy..."(Atwood 55). The italic word "things" symbolizes the emphasize on one interpretation of that word. In other words, "things" in Aunt Lydia's view is considered a derogatory word when used in a sentence. Such things do to happen to nice women. “It might be just an affair. Why did we ever say just?”(Atwood 51) The author emphasizes on the word just by using italics. By doing so, the reader can better understand the connection between the individual and he/she actions.
3. What you have figured out regarding how Atwood uses specific language and techniques (italics, capitals, figurative language, allusions...)
ReplyDeleteAtwood uses allusions to the Bible such as homosexuality is forbidden. "The two others have purple placards hung around their necks: Gender Treachery." (Atwood 43). The pronouns that show God is capitalized. "God made then that way but He did not make you that way." (Atwood 45). This can show that God may be important to women because God gives hope. Another capitalization Atwood made is "Two or three months, too young to tell whether or not it was an Unbaby." (Atwood 44). Atwood shows that a human fetus is considered a person. The italicized word "Nolite te bastardes carborundorum," (Atwood 52) gives hope to the Handmaid because the Handmaid feels like she is talking to another women that she can relate to. Atwood may be foreshadowing the Handmaid's resistance to Gilead's society because Gilead is ruled by men, and womens are seen as objects.
Sally Gee
ReplyDelete-Society
I have learned that there are many changes between the old and new society. In chapter 8 to 10, the most drastic changes in society are the rights and freedom of women. In the past, writing was not forbidden; "there were newspaper then"(Atwood 44). This changed in the present society where even a little writing is forbidden. Speeches were made in the past by Serena Joy (Atwood 45). However, in the present society,"she had become speechless, she stays in her home" (Atwood 46). Women no longer have the right to even mention the word free. There were more freedom in the past. Women get to wear short sleeves; they get to choose what they wear. I learn that the cause of this change is probably because of the war, which is mentioned in this book a few time, and because some women can no longer "produce at will" (Atwood 46).
Zurisaday Castellano-
ReplyDelete1)what more have you learned about society?
I learned that the society was really strict. There was once a time when men and women lived together. Now women weren't allowed to talk to men and less see them.
I learned that if Priests were discovered they were hanged. All men were hanged as a punishment, yet women had an actual funeral. Women used to actually have their own homes and live with their husband. Now women aren't allowed to drink liqour or coffee. The main person in charge would be Aunt Lydia. She would always tell the Handmaids what was going on and what was propler to do or not. She was the one who usually said the punishments.
A technique I noticed that Atwood has used is the use of quoatations when certain people talk. When Ofglen, Rita and Cora spoke.
ReplyDelete"Who's doing the bath?" says Rita (Atwood 48)
"I'll do it later," says Cora (Atwood 48
She only does this in the 8th chapter. The reason for this might be the importance of the dialogue. The characters were talking about the speaker in these quotations. They want the speaker to do all the chores as stated when the speaker says, "To them im a household chore, one amony many" (Atwood 48). She uses techniques like this to show dialogue that refers to the speaker.
Sally Gee
ReplyDelete-Speaker
I learn that the speaker have also changed. In the past, she was carefree. She didn't notice the things around her in the past; she have "wasted that freedom of being seen" (Atwood 50). She went into high school and hanged out with her friends. Offred had the right to choose what she want to wear. She didn't notice the privilege and the freedom she had. In the present, she realized that she had wasted all those freedom. She tried to make up to it by exploring her room (Atwood 51).
Mandy Li
ReplyDeleteSociety
In chapters 8-10, society is continuously described as a place where writing is still "forbidden" (Atwood 52) by women. In the past, society also had newspapers where Offred "...used to read them in bed" (Atwood 44). We learn in chapter 8 about what happens to the babies that don't survive. "The older ones and those that die at birth have boxes" (Atwood 44). This shows that babies that don't survive are immediately put away, so people are unable to see the dead babies that are invaluable. Offred talks about how in the old times, there used to be room service, "I could lift the telephone and food would appear on a tray, food I had chosen" (Atwood 51). This shows people of the society aren't allowed to choose what they want to eat as freely as they used to. When Offred tells stories of what happened back then in society and what society had, she described it as "...such an impossible thing, now; like something you'd make up" (Atwood 51) because society is so different and people don't talk about the old society as much. People living in this society know songs "...that use that words like free...are considered too dangerous" (Atwood 54). The society isn't allowed to sing whatever they want because it's such a restricted place where everyone has to follow rules they know by heart.
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ReplyDeleteMaureen McCarthy
ReplyDeleteSociety
Before the Gilead took place and the war(s) began, society was free. There was an anarchy and people got to do as they please (Atwood 24). The girls were able to sun dresses and sandals, and go out with no care in the world (43). Women were also able to read, and Offred read things such as "Time" and "Newsweek" (45). With freedom comes danger. The women could not go certain places because it was almost sure they would be in danger. They shouldn't open a door to a stranger, don't stop on the road to help a stranger, ignore anyone who whistles, and don't go into a laundromat alone (24). In the present, there are almost endless amounts of restrictions. There is a huge social hierarchy, Offred being hated by Econowives and Commander's Wives, and treasured or envied by the rest if she bears a baby (44). No one is content with what they have, as Offred said, "Everyone envies each other for something" (47). Overall, I learned that the present is the exact opposite of the past. In the past, they sacrificed safety for freedom, and present they sacrificed freedom for safety. I feel Offred was content with society before the war(s) because when she talked about it she never complained. Even when she discussed the dangers, she didn't seem to mind. However, when she talked about the present, there is always some sort of negative tone.
Jessica Zeng
ReplyDeleteSociety:
In chapter 8, I learned that in this society people of the same gender are not allowed to be together. When Offred went to go shopping, she saw three men that were hung on the Wall with the words "Gender Treachery" hung around their necks (Atwood 43). A treachery is a violation of faith (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/treachery). A gender treachery is like violating their society's belief that you should be with the opposite gender. Their society believes that men should be with women because they value children.
Sally Gee
ReplyDelete-Language
I figure out that Atwood uses italics, and allusion, and capitalization when she wants to emphasize something important When the Commander was standing in the hall, near Offred's room, the author capitalized "Toward me". This shows that the author is emphasizing the word "Toward" to show how important this action is in the present society. This show that the Commander was "violating the custom" (Atwood 49). The author also capitalized the word "Unbaby" (Atwood 44). This show it's importance because the "Unbaby" is the baby that died at birth.
Janet Ceron
ReplyDeleteSociety-
From reading chapters 8-10, I learned that the Republic of Gilead is strict with the handmaids. Offred, a handmaid,goes on a twice a week walk to get food from the market. When she returns from the market a Guardian talks to her. Offred says to herself "I nod, but do not answer with my voice. He isn't supposed to speak with me" (Atwood 46). This shows handmaids are not allowed to talk to Guardians. Since Offred did not respond to the Guradian it shows she follows the rule, no handmaid should speak with a Guardian. From this I learned the handmaids in the society of the Republic of Gilead are under careful watch by the rest of Gilead's society. Offred calls the room she sleeps in, in the Commander's home "my room" and also says "finally, that I claim as mine, even in this time" (Atwood 50). Here, Offred calls the room she sleeps in, in the Commander's home "my room". This shows Offred feels that room belongs to her. Offred also shows relief when she says "finally" meaning finally, something I can claim as mine. When Offred says "even in this time" from this I can infer that the time period for the handmaids in the Republic of Gilead is strict. At this time period, the handmaids own nothing. From chapters 8-10 I learned the women in the Republic of Gilead are under strict order. they can not own anything and are not allowed to talk with other men, like the Commanders.
Jared Elraheb
ReplyDelete(Speaker)
Throughout chapters 8-10, I have realized the speaker has accepted society and her previous faults. In the previous society, Offred realized she was “careless.” (Atwood 51) The speaker believes that she was “careless” because she had her own freedom of choice and everything was basically handed to her. She believes she did not realize how important the things she had were; therefore she called herself “careless.” (Atwood 51) This would be considered one of Offred’s previous faults because it was a part of society that she took advantage of with her carelessness. Also, I have learned that Luke was a big part of Offred’s life because she was married to him in the past society. (Atwood 50) Along with Offred’s previous husband, I have also noticed she stated, “I was a mother.” (Atwood 47) This shows me that obviously Offred had a life of her own with her own family in the previous society. She had a kitchen of her own and a family all to herself. (Atwood 47) Offred states, “I was moved here” and this lets me know that he may have entered the Gilead society against her will or lets me question her past. (Atwood 50). In the previous society, the speaker had a life of her own, until she was moved into the Gilead society.
Charlie Perez - Society
ReplyDeleteIn the present society, I learned that people are killed in Gilead daily. In a more recent walk, Offred found "three new bodies on the wall" (Atwood 43). Two of the hung men were killed for commiting "Gender Treachery" (Atwood 43). I think gender treachery means acts of homosexuality, though I may be wrong. This makes me think that being a homosexual is another thing that is forbidden in this society. I also found that any references to freedom are strictly prohibited. Any songs that talk about freedom or have words like "free" are not allowed (Atwood 54). This would mean that this society is kept highly controlled and organized. One thing I learned about the past society was that a "sect war" had gone on (Atwood 43). This may mean that this led to the ban or revision on certain religions or belief systems. Another thing is learning more about restricted freedoms of the people who live in Gilead. Offred mentions a time where the summer meant the women could "get out our sundresses and our sandals and go for an ice cream cone" (Atwood 43). This shows that even the most simplest of freedoms are taken away in Gilead. Hardly any freedom is left to do anything, it seems as if a person with a well-rounded mind could not live well in this society.
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ReplyDeleteSarah Weiss
ReplyDelete-what more you have learned about our speaker (old and new)
When reading chapters 8-10 it became apparent that the speaker,Offred, has always been curios as to the way society works but does not explore it out of fear. Offed used to be a wife and mother. She lead a pretty ordinary life that consisted of watching t.v with her husband and reading the paper on Sunday mornings (Atwood 44). Offred in both the past and present makes references to Aunt Lydia's words; hoping the will giver her some sort of reassurance. However, the difference between the past and present is that in the present Offred wants to understand why concepts have changed but knows it is dangerous to find out.
Sarah Weiss
ReplyDeleteLanguage:
As we get further into The Handmaid's Tale I have started to catch on to some of the literary techniques Atwood uses. In the society of Gilead, women and men are referred to as titles. These titles are used to eliminate individuality amongst the society. Offred is a female attendant so she is associated as a Handmaid. I believe Atwood created these titles to mock the Bible. The control over the woman's names represents the lack of control they have over themselves and their bodies.
Society-
ReplyDeleteIn chapter eight it explains that in this type of society (Gilead) there is a strict law against men and woman seeing each other. Men and woman are not supposed to have any contact what so ever in any way. When something bad is going to happen Atwood describes the setting in detail of what is going on. When the Commander is in the same house as the Handmaid she uses words like …hesitates, walks forward. Towards me. He is violating custom…” (Atwood 49). Atwood is trying to show that there is something wrong since the commander is breaking the law. Then the handmaid starts to question what she should do because she knew this was wrong (Atwood 49). The Handmaid goes on to tell that the Commander avoided comming into contact with her (Atwood 49). By doing this it shows that the Commander also fears the law.
Jennifer Tufino
ReplyDeleteSociety
Society has changed throughout the course of time in Gilead. In the past, laws did not exist that could possibly protect women, “Women were not protected then” (Atwood 24). Even though women weren’t really protected in the past; they were given more freedom than what they have now, “That was freedom” (Atwood 28). The speaker of the book reminisces on her past experiences and what it was like for her, as a woman to have the liberty to wear what she wished because to her, it was like having control. But in the present time women are more protected because rules are reinforced, “What if I were to come at night, when he’s on duty alone”, women could’ve done such things but they didn’t because men weren’t permitted to touch women unless one was given to them (Atwood 21). And even within the same house hold of women, Marthas had less privileges then Handmaids because Marthas weren’t allowed to go out and take a short walk if they wished, “She would rather do the shopping, get exactly what she wants; she envies me the walk” (Atwood 47). Those women in the lower class didn’t have the same privileges. Similarly, religion seemed to change in the society as well because in the past churches existed but during present society, churches aren’t used for the same religious purpose, “The church is a small one … it isn’t used anymore, except as a museum” (Atwood 31). Although religion wasn’t practiced anymore, the speaker still remembers things such as songs they used to sing but don’t sing in public anymore, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, Could save a wretch like me, Who once was lost, but now am found, was bound, but now am free” (Atwood 54). Also such words as “free” were considered dangerous in present society, no one was really free during this time and it was part of outlawed things. Since women weren’t free, they couldn’t be educated but the speaker had discovered something forbidden in her room, writing, “..and it was writing, forbidden by that very fact, and hadn’t yet been discovered (Atwood 52). Although as time goes on and rules are reinforced, the speaker still remembers her past and the little bit of writing she has in her room, she’s still able to read, although society has changed.
Winnie Liang
ReplyDelete-what more you have learned about our speaker (old and new)
From reading chapters eight through ten, I learned that the speaker most likely enjoys the past way more than the present. The past is described with a lot of happiness and joy while the present looks like she wants more freedom. Offred thought about “the dead mice we would find on the doorstep, when we lived in a house, all three of us…” (Atwood 53). This shows Offred thinks about the times with Luke and her daughter. Offred also says “I’m laughing. She always made me laugh” when she is with Moira (Atwood 56). This meant Offred enjoys the past. Offred thinks she “lived as usual” in the past (Atwood 56). In the present, there are a lot more to follow. She says “he isn’t supposed to speak to me” (Atwood 45). Also, in the song, it says “I feel so lonely, baby…I feel so lonely I could die” (Atwood 54). Changes were made from past to present for Offred to not like it now.
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ReplyDeleteKevin Joseph
ReplyDelete-Language
Atwood uses specific language and techniques to show the significance of a word or phrase that she knows. Capitalization are used to point out roles/titles in society. During the funeral, Offred mentions "Unbaby" and Econowives" (Atwood 44). Also, Atwood capitalizes "He" when referring to God (Atwood 44). Doing this shows the role of God in the society of Gilead. Atwood uses italics to show a word/phrase that has a special meaning. The phrase "nolite te bastardes carborundorum" is seen by Offred, but she didn’t know the meaning behind it since it was Latin (Atwood 52). The meaning behind the phrase is "Don't let the bastards grind you down", which connects to the situation Offred is in. Another example is when Ofglen uses the term "Things" (Atwood 55). Oflgen says things when she doesn’t want to use a word that is forbidden to say. Atwood italicize the word to show that "thing" has a specific meaning to it other than its original definition. To conclude, The specific language and techniques used by Atwood displays a special significance to that word/phrase.
Jia Wen Cao
ReplyDelete-Society
In the society of Gilead, things changed from the past to the present. In the past, Gilead was not established and women had rights and freedom. "In those days of anarchy, it was freedom to" (Atwood 24). People had freedom and society was not split into classes/roles. There were "Doctors lived here once, lawyers, university professors" (Atwood 23). Soceity used to be populated and lively, but now its different; "There are no more lawyers anymore, and the university closed" (Atwood 23). Now, in the present, "freedom now seems almost weightless" (Atwood 24). Freedom was taken away from women and men. People now in the society of Gilead are ruled under a totalitarian government. The society is separated into classes such as, Handmaids, Marthas, Wives, Commander, Guardian, and Angel. New laws are also established in the present Gilead society; laws such as writing is forbidden, and abortion is ilegal (Atwood 39). In the past, the society had freedom and liberty, but now in the present, people are controlled over a single government. The society is also kept in order by secret polices, "Eyes". Through Offred's narration, the society of Gilead had dramatically changed from the past to the present.
The speaker is a bit regretful of the past. She reminisces of her pastimes. "Will I ever be in a hotel room again? How I wasted them, those rooms, that freedom from being seen (Atwood, 50)." I can infer from the speaker saying this that she prefers to live in the past than in the present. Another thing that proves the speaker likes the past better than the present is because treasures a pillow with a word on it. "I can spend minutes, tens of minutes, running my eyes over the print: FAITH (Atwood, 57)." The speaker is very moved by these words and is grateful of being able to see it. I also learned that the speaker (in the present) is a very curious person. When she was given her room, she explores it in detail. "I explored this room, not hastily, then, like a hotel room, wasting it (Atwood, 51)." The speaker also questions about the room in the past. "Who was the woman who stayed in that room? I said (Atwood, 53)."
ReplyDeleteDanny Perez
ReplyDelete1) What you have figured out regarding how Atwood uses specific language and techniques (italics, capitals, figurative language, allusions...)
As I reading into 8-10 I noticed that Atwood uses specific language and techniques to show Christianity. Also I remember about some key points about the other chapters. The Angels are the ones that seem in charge of mostly everything. Then there is the speaker who dresses in “red shoes, flat heeled… red gloves... wings on my face… skirt is ankle length, full” (Atwood 8). This connects to today how the Sisters or Mothers would dress, long skirt, not really showing much skin, etc. Then later on the people around the place would say “‘Blessed be the fruit…’ ‘May the Lord open’” (19). This is the type of style people would talk when in prayer or in Church. Then in the beginning of chapter 8, there is a priest that was hanged on the “wall” but he was still wearing the black cassock. The speaker says that they gave up wearing those years ago (43). Just by making an inference that the position that the speaker is in, it’s like a force society because people have to follow the present laws instead of old tradition. Then the way the speaker said “Praise be” (44). This shows how there is way of talking in that area. Then when it said: “Under His Eye” (45). It meant that, to be safe and that God is protecting you. It was like a good bye but more religious. Then the speaker starts to sing her mind: “Amazing grace… but now am free...” (54). There with amazing grace reminds me of a prayer when in Church. It must have been a prayer to the Virgin Mary. It was dangerous to sing these songs in public because no one really did. The when it said: “Hallelujah” (55).it reminded me when in Church when the chorus is singing along with what the priest says. Lastly to connect how society is forced, the speaker found a hard cushion with the word “FAITH” (57). This is what is given to the people but it’s the only thing that they can read. Everything else is forbidden which makes it very hard to be able to do something like writing or reading. Overall Atwood used many specific language and techniques to connect to certain topics but it related mostly to Christianity and how the society is in the present.
Society:
ReplyDeleteIn chapters eight through ten, I learned of a new law and relationships of the present society. When the speaker was in town again, she saw three new corpses, which two were executed for “Gender Treachery” (Atwood 43). Treachery usually means disloyal. This might mean that “Gender Treachery” means the act of being disloyal to the opposite gender, or homosexuality. Since Gilead killed homosexuals, that shows that they are against the law. Marthas and Econowives have a similar view of Handmaids, they look down upon Handmaids. During the funeral held by the Econowives, the speaker and Ofglen were trying to pay respects to their losses. When the Econowives saw them, “one scowls” at them while another, “spits on the sidewalk” (Atwood 44). Their actions show that they not like the Handmaids and looks down on them. When the speaker was at the kitchen, the Marthas were talking to each other as if, “I’m (the speaker) a household chore, one among many” (Atwood 48). The Marthas saw the Handmaid as nothing except a chore to be taken care of. This shows that the Marthas look down on Handmaids. From the perspectives of the Marthas and Econowives, Handmaids are just simple.
For the past society, I learned that women had the simplest rights, yet they were taken away. For example, the speaker described how she was once able to, “get our sundresses and our sandals and go for an ice cream cone” (Atwood 43). She was able to go outside and enjoy herself. In the present society now though, new laws are set up, which most limits women from their rights.
-what more have you learned about society (old and new)
ReplyDeleteThis new society forbids any sort of individual expression. Any sort of action or phrase can be viewed as offensive. The narrator can only sing "Amazing Grace" in her head. The word "free" is considered too dangerous (Atwood 54). Freedom is subjective. People express freedom in different ways. Any possible expression of freedom can be dangerous to the government because freedom can also mean rebelling. Without conforming into the classes, the government would not have control over its people. Therefore, any sort of freedom can give people the idea that they need to not conform with society. They filter any sort of idea that can bring freedom. This is a different kind of freedom they are afraid of, though. As Aunt Lydia put it, it's the "freedom to" do something (Atwood 28). Once again, they are afraid of people having the freedom to do something because of the negative things people can be free to do. The society is based on having "freedom of" or freedom from bad things. The society provides protection for the people in exchange for obedience.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSociety:
ReplyDeleteThe new society will kill you if you are relate to things that they dislike. "There are three new bodies on the Wall. One is a priest... the sect wars first began..." (Atwood 43). The priest is kill because he is relate with the sect wars in a way. The society seem to dislike religious events. A war cause by religions. This also shows that there is a war going on during the time. The society might suffer from the war. "...neck: Gender Treachery" (Atwood 43). These two people are also hang with the priest on the Wall. The society also seem to be against gender treachery between each other.These two people are caught by other which cause them to die.
In the past, the society also has a war going on because she talks how her husband tells her about mayday for pilot and SOS for ships(Atwood 44). "... in one of those wars." (Atwood 44).This shows that there is a war because she would not mention it if there is no war going on. People use to cause accident to make themselves more outstanding (Atwood 46). " Or Luke thought she was funny... she was a little frightening." (Atwood 46). People from before might do anything just to get themselves famous. It will catch attention of others. This shows there use to be own opinions about things and appearance. For example, how Offred and Luke see Serena Joy different. People was able to say their own opinion.
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ReplyDeleteXanique H
ReplyDelete-Society
In Gilead society, things have changed throughout the past and the present. In the past, women had freedom and rights and the Gilead was not yet recognized. People were free to do whatever they wanted and society was not divided into different classes. Now, "freedom now seems almost weightless" (Atwood 24). Now that the Gilead was in place, people lost all the freedom. They no longer decided what to do and were divided into different classes in society. Laws forbid people to do things like writing (Atwood 39). In the past, the people were free.
Robert Glass
ReplyDeleteLanguage
In chapter eight, the author uses capital letters for the word "Wall" (Atwood 43) because it is an important object in the Gilead Society because it is meant to protect the people of Gilead. The capitals are use here to show important things because the wall is one of the most notable features in Gilead for it is everywhere to protect the citizens. Italics are used to express thoughts of the speaker. The word "Mayday" (Atwood 44) is in italics because she was thinking about the nice day she was having. The speaker said "It's a beautiful May Day" (Atwood 43) and then she thought about the distress signals form planes and that is an allusion because it references something else that she remembered form the time before Gilead. The italics came after the word "afterthought" (Atwood 44) showing it is a thought of hers.
In chapter nine, the writing that the speaker found on the floor, "Nolite te bastardes carborundorum" (Atwood 52) is in italics because it is a point of interest for the speaker because she wanted to know what it meant and who wrote it. The italics show thoughts and emphasis on certain points along with the capitals used it the chapters. The speaker had looked over her room and found the engraving that was there when she arrived and her curiosity made her question it and it is also a thought because it states after the italics "I didn't know what it meant" (Atwood 52) showing that she was thinking about the meaning.
In chapter ten, the speaker was thinking about songs that she used to sing and these are in italics because they are thoughts and she cannot sing them, "Such songs are not sung... This too is outlawed" (Atwood54). The songs that the speaker was singing were church songs and a song by Elvis Presley and they are forbidden because they are loud and could start problems. She can only think of theses songs and that is why they are in italics. If she were to say them out loud, then they would be in normal writing. Another word in italics is "things" (Atwood 55) and this shows a memory because Aunt Lydia told the speaker this repeatedly. The book says "Things, the word she used... it stood for was too distasteful or filthy or horrible (Atwood55). Since the past tense is evident here it shows that it is a memory of what was said. Overall italics are used to show memories and important words that have been said and that the speaker remembers. The capitals are there to show importance for certain things in the book such as the wall. The allusions are for connecting to the past and what the speaker remembers about her past and what she sees in the present society
Anna Liang
ReplyDeleteSOCIETY:
I noticed that in the society of the Gileads there are lots of things that are against religion, women having any contact with men, women’s education, women’s rights, sex, and children/babies. Throughout history, priests are usually respected because they are people that understand God and bless people. “One is a priest…That’s been put on him, for the trial…cassocks made them too conspicuous” (Atwood 43), this books shows how priests are hanged, show that they are not respected and honored. The education of the women in the Gilead society have also show a big difference, “Mayday, used to be a distress signal, a long time ago, in one of those wars we studied in high school” (Atwood 44). This shows how women in the Gilead society “used to” study and have newspapers and coffee on Sunday mornings (Atwood 44). Atwood also described how that the society really respects the death of babies. Offred saw a funeral of an Econowife and in her hand, there is a black jar which contains her embryo, the dead baby (Atwood 44). “We pause, out of respect…pain like a stab, in the belly. We put our hands over our hearts to show these stranger women that we feel with them in their loss” (Atwood 44). This shows how that the women held funerals for the little babies, and how the babies were very important. In the society of Gilead, women cannot have any contact with men. Offred returns back, and Nick whistles towards her (Atwood 45). “He (Nick) isn’t supposed to speak to me” (Atwood 45). This shows how not even contact between opposite sexes are prohibited but also speaking towards each other is not allowed. It showed the things on women’s rights when Atwood mentioned how Serena Joy was making speeches, and she talked about how women should stay home (Atwood 45). Sex was also prohibited in the society of Gilead, like when two men were hanged on the Wall (Atwood 43). “The two others have purple placards hung around their necks: Gender Treachery” (Atwood 43). This show how men cannot be caught in the act of sex, or doing anything involved with homosexuality.
Antonio Amato
ReplyDeleteSociety:
While reading, I realized how serious things are taken in this society. Men aren't allowed to touch or be around women socially, especially at a young age. Also, homosexuality isn't allowed in this community. This was shown when three men were see hung on the hooked walls for being a part of Gender Treachery (Atwood 43). Women were also forced to walk in pairs to ensure that the other was safe. Also, pregnant women were required to have Guardians for safety. Women had so much more public freedom, but now they are treated like prisoners with all the security that is given out. It was known that pregnant women were to have miscarriages or were even beaten to stop them from having their child. There are also many restrictions of freedom. Writing was completely forbidden in Gilead (Atwood 39). Porn magazines or any form of revealing sexuality was not allowed (Atwood 38). These items were to be burned. Certain songs were also forbidden to be heard if they contained any words like "free"in it (Atwood 54). As you can see, the Gilead society is very strict and those in control do what ever they can to make sure they keep that control.
-what more have you learned about society (old and new)
ReplyDeletei learned in chapters 8-10 that society has had drastic changes. women have been forbidden from many freedoms. to the women the word free doesn't even exist anymore because its to dangerous (Atwood,54). women are not allowed out and no guy is allowed to see them. the women are prohibited to be around men because its to dangerous for them. i learned in these chapters that women used to be allowed to get married and be independent (Atwood 50). women used to be stronger because they would stand up for themselves ,and they had no one to boss them around. therefore society has changed becuase women are not allowed to do as many things as they please. society has become more strict, filled wit rules and principals.
David Sosa
ReplyDeleteI learned that the women in the society of Gilead are resentful for what they must put up with daily. The quote "She doesn't make speeches anymore. She has become speechless. She stays in her home, but it doesn't seem to agree with her. How furious she must be, now that she's been taken at her word" (Atwood 46) displays the resentment women feel. The woman in this case was a very active member of the community and after many attempts at her life and the new society coming into power (Atwood 46) the change she faced was drastic. The quote "its not the husbands you have to watch out for its the wives" (Atwood 46) further proves my point. Women would feel resentful at the lack of liberty they must live with in this society. Being treated as inferior with rules and regulations, it is not quite understandable what women might be feeling and because of this I have learned that women haven't just simply complied with society's regulations but instead they resent Gilead s rules.
Brandon
ReplyDeleteSpeaker:
The speaker (handmaid) has shown some differences between the present and the past, but the fact is that she hasn't really changed from the past to the present. The society may have changed, and that causes her to have to follow different rules, but she still feels the same as she felt when she had "freedom". For example, she doesn't like passive behavior. In the past she showed this by speaking of the way she noticed he passiveness in the voice of men when they talked about laying and lying down with women (Atwwod 37). In the present, she's the same. She realizes that Ofglen would stand looking at the bodies forever, the speaker takes the responsibility of initiating the action of leaving by saying "'we should go back,' I say to Ofglen. I'm always the one to say this (43). Another example is the way she thinks of Luke so often. This was a man she was closely involved with that she hasn't seen in a long time. She loved to be with Luke and lay down next to him (52), and to the date of the story, she continus to think about Luke and wish to be with him (51-52). So, while the priveleges and laws may have tightened up and limited the behavior of men and women together, the speaker continues to speak and think the same as she's used to.
Kevin Zevallos (society)
ReplyDeleteBy reading chapters 8-10 I have learned the society of Gilead has very strict rules but not everyone follows them. Everyone in the society of Gilead must follow a direct set of strict rules but don't always follow them. Offred,a handmaid of Gilead, is coming back from her daily walk to the market when Nick, the driver, talks to her. Offred tells herself "I nod, but do not answer with my voice. He isn't supposed to speak with me" (Atwood 46). This shows handmaids are not allowed to talk to anyone and that Nick wasn't suppose to talk to her but did nonetheless. The rules are very strict and if broken can lead to death as a punishment. However that doesn't stop Nick from talking to someone forbidden, the handmaid. Nick is not the only person who ignore the rules. The Commander also decides to break the strict rules of Gilead. While Offred is walking to her room she sees the Commander. Offred tells herself "It's the Commander, he isn't supposed to be here. He is violating custom" (Atwood 49). The Commander wasn't suppose to in Offred's room yet he went either way. Although the Commander was breaking the rules of Gilead he didn't care and felt it was alright to do so. Although it is risky to break the rules people like the Commander and Nick will break them.
Richard Gobin
ReplyDelete-what more have you learned about society (old and new)
I learned that society in the past was not as strict as society in the present. I learned that the men aren’t allowed to talk to the women. Well, at least if the men are lower than the women. If they are higher the women can not talk to them, or look at them (Atwood 45). Nick, the car washer was talking to the handmaid, who just nodded, and gave no vocal response. When the handmaid came across the commander, she not only couldn't talk to him, she couldn't look at him either (Atwood 49). This is how society is in the present. In the past you could of done whatever you wanted to. The handmaid used to smoke, since she had cigarettes (Atwood 56). She also used to go to wild parties, like the one her friend was having (Atwood 56). This is what I learned about the past and present society, in the book The Handmaid's Tale.
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ReplyDeleteKiara Roman
ReplyDeleteAfter reading chapters 8-10, comment in proper English on the following essential questions:
-what more have you learned about society (old and new)
“Bath Day”(46) I’m guessing that in this time period they didn’t have any pluming so they couldn’t take showers often just when they were allowed. In the book, the women are all thinking about themselves because they are growing from the fact where woman don’t need men. As show in page 46 where aunt Lydia quotes “It’s not the husbands…It’s the wives”. This shows that the women are developing even though there is no education for them. I believe they made education forbidden because the women were probably getting really strong and since the men were always the dominant sex they wanted to stay like that. (Past) “men and woman tried each other on, casually. Like suits, rejecting whatever did not fit.” This is basically meaning that Men and woman wanted to find the right match and she uses a simile.
Sandy Wu
ReplyDeleteSociety.
I learned that Handmaids are hated by Econowives. The Econowives are the wives of the poorer men (Atwood 24). They do not like the Handmaids because the Econowives are jealous of them. The Handmaids can give birth to children and the Econowives’ children die before they are born or at birth. Some of their babies are classified as “Unbaby” (Atwood 44).
I also learned that the society does not allow bisexuals. On the Wall, there were three new bodies hung. Two were Guardians and they were “caught together” (Atwood 43). Guardians are not allowed to get married unless they become an Angel. Guardians are not allowed to “touch women” which lead those to Guardians to be with a man instead of a women. People caught them and they were hung after. This shows that society does not approve of bisexuals.
James Chen
ReplyDelete(Society)
In the old society things still seem the same as out current society. Thing has changed much. The thing i learned that could be a possible difference is that women, back then i the book seemed to were make up often. (Atwood 46) This could be a possible way for women to attract other men. The changing of the season is still the same. Spring time means less clothing and cold food. (Atwood 46) Not much of a difference from our current society.
In the new society things seem to be very strict. I learned that homosexuals are not accepted in society and are killed. (Atwood 43) Another thing Ive learned from he new society was that the mothers carry dead premature babies in jars normally. (Atwood 44) The term Econowives seem to hate the handmaids for a unknown reason. Last Ive learned that the change in society had seem to be a depressing time for one of Offred's friends. (Atwood 46)
(Speaker)
In the pas the speaker was married. (Atwood 50) Before hand she was a confused about her and Luke's relationship. (Atwood 51)
Now she seems to be separated from her love (Luke) and still seems to miss his presence. (Atwood 51) Currently she seem to be loyal to who ever or what ever law is about her head, a Guardian spoke to her and she didn't speak for her own safety. (Atwood 45) Last Ive learned that she seems to be suicidal with the way she describes the tempting knife. (Atwood 47)
(Language)
It language in this book i very strong. The word choice that Atwood uses really makes the characters have a 3-D shape to them, it almost as if I'm reading the speaker's exact thoughts. To be honest I personally do not find the italics helpful. Although the figurative language and symbols used are solid. The phrase " The knife...sharp and bright, and tempting" (Atwood 47) Obviously show that she is tempted to kill herself after going though such a warped world. Even in the first chapter the gym is described to have no place to hang yourself! Another technique that i find helpful is the wall. They seem to keep the bodies of dead people who committed crimes. (Atwood 43) This is a symbol of a warning to the people to not break the rules and the way the speaker is forced to stay calm expresses more, of how the society is strict.
Jeffrey Abreu
ReplyDelete-what you have figured out regarding how Atwood uses specific language and techniques (italics, capitals, figurative language, allusions...)
After reading chapters 8-10, I realized Atwood uses more biblical references than I thought she did. As Semir previously stated and researched, Gilead means hill of testimony or mound of witness. Gilead came from the bible, and if it is referenced as a mound of witness, then it is possible that the Commander sits on “the mound of witness” and watches over his society. There are other allusions and language techniques Atwood uses that references the bible as well. “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…Was bound, but now am free” (Atwood 54). These lyrical words weren’t in the bible, but it is a Christian hymn that is used as a prayer. Atwood uses these words to show how Offred feels. When I researched the real lyrics to “Amazing Grace”, I found that the last word of the first verse is actually “Was blind, but now I see.” Offred changed the lyrics because she learned in the past that it was sung in both ways. “Such songs are not sung anymore in public, especiallyy the ones that use the words like free” (Atwood 54). This indicated that the Gilead society was once free and people would sing that hymn in their new version. But now it is dangerous because all handmaids are tightly kept in their rooms. Another italicized word Atwood used was “Hallelujah” (Atwood 55). This word I remember being said in church as a praise to the lord. That “Hallelujah” was said for joy and happiness.
I figured out that Atwood continues using the bible as a reference, and also other Christian references. Atwood either uses them as a negative reference or positive, but I perceive most of her references so far like those above to be viewed negative one way or another.
Vanbiet Nguyen
ReplyDelete-what you have figured out regarding how Atwood uses specific language and techniques (italics, capitals, figurative language, allusions...)
Margaret Atwood is really clever with her writing and her italicized words. The way she writes the italicized word and then starts explaining, makes the reader feel as if he is reading a person's thoughts. Atwood italicized "Mayday" (Atwood, 44) and she begins to explain its meaning. But at the end of that paragraph where she talks about Mayday, she says "help me" (atwood, 44). "Mayday, mayday for pilots whos planes had been hit, and ships - was it ships too?- at sea. Maybe it was S O S for ships" (Atwood 44). When ships were in trouble, they send an S O S call. when planes are in trouble, they send out maydays. She is in trouble, but what can she send out? Obviously, we are reading her thoughts and her troubles, but in her reality, nobody is retrieving her help call. She is sending out a "help me". She needs help. Somebody help her.
Juan D. Garcia
ReplyDelete-There have been many changes between the old society and the new society. For instance, women had many rights. However, now women cannot be with men. Women in the old society had freedom and many rights. I learned that the speaker before would go out with her friends and Luke. During the summer she would enjoy her time with the people closest to her and icer cream under the sun. She used to have so much fun with her friends.