Many avid readers would agree that Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale is an all-time classic. The world she created is a dystopian society that seems to be inspired by real-life events. This story is set in a world where women cannot own property, read, or access contraceptives. The Handmaid’s Tale is a warning of what could happen if we don’t safeguard our fundamental rights. The harsh and oppressive regime of this society is epitomized by the wall.
In The Handmaid’s Tale, the wall is a constant reminder of the regime’s severe oppression. It is made of concrete and barbed wire and is towering. It encircles the entire city, and at the top of the wall, there are watchtowers. The wall, more than any other element in the story, is the outward symbolization of the dictatorship’s absolute control. Its colossal size dwarfs even the people walking beneath it, and its height makes it impossible for anyone to climb it.
The wall acts as a reminder to the people of the fertility crisis that led to the creation of the handmaid’s system. The regime forces women who can bear children to become handmaids. Their duty is to have sex with the commanders and bear them children. If they do not become pregnant after a few attempts, they are punished according to the regime’s rules. Public executions often take place on the wall, where people, including the handmaids, can see them. The wall is not only a physical barricade but also a psychological weapon used to instill fear and control the masses.
The Wall as a Physical Barrier
In Margaret Atwood’s novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, the wall symbolizes a physical barrier that separates the society of Gilead from the outside world. It represents the oppressive regime’s need for control over its citizens, as well as the fear and paranoia that underlie its power.
The wall is a frequent image in the novel, with its imposing presence a constant reminder of the limitations placed on the characters. It is both a physical barrier and a psychological one, with its height and thickness conveying a sense of entrenched power and authority.
The wall serves as a means of containing people within certain areas, separating them from the rest of society. This is most evident in the Colonies, where walls surround the toxic wasteland, creating an insurmountable barrier between the workers and the outside world. However, the wall also serves to keep outsiders from entering Gilead, creating a sense of isolation and fear within the society itself.
The wall is also a symbol of violence and repression, as it is frequently patrolled by armed guards who use force to maintain order. The execution of criminals and dissenters is carried out on the wall, creating a spectacle of violence that is meant to deter others from challenging the regime.
The Wall as a Tool of Oppression
In Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the wall serves as a tool of oppression for the totalitarian regime of Gilead. The wall creates a physical and psychological barrier that separates the citizens from the outside world and reinforces their isolation from reality.
The wall’s primary purpose is to instill fear and control in the citizens of Gilead. It acts as a visible reminder of the consequences for disobedience or rebellion. The wall is a place where traitors, dissenters, and enemies of the state are publicly executed as a warning to others. These executions are horrifically brutal, and the bodies are displayed on the wall as a warning to the other citizens of Gilead.
Ways in Which the Wall is Used as a Tool of Oppression
- The wall is used to instill fear and control in the citizens of Gilead.
- The wall is a reminder of the consequences for disobedience or rebellion.
- The wall is a place of public executions of traitors, dissenters, and enemies of the state.
The Psychological Effects of the Wall as a Tool of Oppression
The wall’s presence has profound psychological effects on the characters in “The Handmaid’s Tale.” The wall is a constant reminder that they are prisoners in their own country. The citizens of Gilead are forced to live with the fear that they could be next to the wall, publicly executed.
The psychological effects of the wall are intensified by the fact that it separates the citizens from the outside world, leaving them isolated and disconnected from the reality of their situation. The citizens of Gilead are trapped within the walls of their country, cut off from any hope of escape or liberation. The wall represents the total control and domination that the regime has over their lives. It is a constant reminder that they are powerless and that their fate is in the hands of the oppressive regime.
The Wall as a Symbol of Oppression
The wall’s symbolism in “The Handmaid’s Tale” goes beyond its physical and psychological effects. The wall represents the absolute power and control that the regime has over the citizens of Gilead. It is the physical manifestation of their oppression and serves as a symbol of their captivity.
| Symbolism of the Wall | Description |
|---|---|
| Oppression | The wall serves as a tool of oppression for the regime of Gilead. |
| Isolation | The wall physically and psychologically isolates the citizens of Gilead, leaving them disconnected from the outside world. |
| Control | The wall represents the absolute power and control that the regime has over the citizens of Gilead. |
The wall’s symbolism extends beyond the novel, resonating with real-world issues of oppression, division, and control. The wall serves as a stark reminder that oppression can manifest in many forms, physical and psychological, and that the fight for liberation is ongoing and ever-present in our world today.
The Psychological Effects of the Wall on Society
The wall in The Handmaid’s Tale serves as a constant reminder of the regime’s power and control over society. It creates a physical barrier that separates people, stripping them of their freedom and agency. The psychological effects of such enforcement on society are explored throughout the novel, with the following subtopics:
- Dehumanization: The wall acts as a tool for dehumanizing those who are on the wrong side of it. The individuals who are executed and displayed become objects rather than people, stripped of their identities and forced to exist purely as a warning to others. This creates an intense fear of being on the wrong side of the wall, which further reinforces the regime’s power.
- Normalizing Violence: The constant display of bodies on the wall desensitizes society to violence and death, making it increasingly normalized. This is compounded by the regime’s propaganda, which actively promotes violence as a means of control. The normalization of these actions causes people to become increasingly accepting of brutality and authoritarianism, making it easier for the regime to maintain power over them.
- Division and Isolation: The wall creates a clear divide between those who are in power and those who are ostracized. This division creates an intense feeling of isolation for those who are on the outside, making them feel more powerless and vulnerable. This isolation makes it harder for them to come together and resist the regime, further strengthening the regime’s hold on society.
The psychological effects of the wall in The Handmaid’s Tale illustrate the devastating impact of authoritarian regimes on society. By dehumanizing, normalizing violence, and creating divisions between people, such regimes strip away people’s humanity and force them to exist purely as objects of the state. Ultimately, this leads to a loss of freedom and autonomy, leaving people powerless and vulnerable to the whims of those in power.
As George Orwell once said, “political language…is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind”. The wall in The Handmaid’s Tale is a clear manifestation of this concept, serving as a brutal reminder of the regime’s power over the people it represses.
| Subtopic | Impact on Society |
|---|---|
| Dehumanization | Strip individuals of their identities and create fear |
| Normalizing Violence | Acceptance of authoritarianism and brutality |
| Division and Isolation | Powerlessness and vulnerability |
The wall in The Handmaid’s Tale is a powerful symbol of oppression and control. By understanding the psychological effects it has on society, we can better grasp the importance of fighting against authoritarian regimes that seek to strip away our humanity and freedom.
The Symbolic Meaning of the Color of the Wall
In Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, the walls play a significant role in symbolizing the themes of confinement and oppression. Specifically, the color of the wall is an important symbol that represents the character’s status and place in society.
The walls in The Handmaid’s Tale are typically painted in drab, muted colors such as white and beige. These colors symbolize the dominance and control exerted by the ruling regime, the Republic of Gilead. In particular, the color red is used as a symbol for the Handmaids, who are responsible for bearing children for their wealthy commanders and their barren wives.
The color red is highly symbolic as it represents violence, passion, and most importantly, fertility. In Gilead, women’s worth is measured by their ability to bear children, which is why the color red is so closely associated with the Handmaids and their role in society. By painting the walls in drab colors and using red sparingly, the regime reinforces the idea that the Handmaids are solely vessels for procreation and nothing more.
- White walls symbolize purity and fertility, which are prized virtues for the women in Gilead.
- Grey walls symbolize the austere and oppressive nature of Gilead’s society.
- Green walls symbolize hope and growth, but are rarely seen in the novel as they are associated with the Eyes, Gilead’s secret police force.
Overall, the color of the walls in The Handmaid’s Tale plays a significant role in reinforcing the themes of oppression and control. The use of drab colors and the sparing use of red serve to reinforce the idea that the Handmaids are nothing but vessels for procreation, and that their worth is measured solely by their ability to bear children. In turn, this reinforces the oppressive nature of Gilead’s society, and the lack of agency and freedom afforded to its citizens.
| Color | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|
| White | Purity and fertility |
| Grey | Austere and oppressive |
| Red | Violence, passion, and fertility – associated with the Handmaids |
| Green | Hope and growth – associated with the Eyes |
Overall, the use of color in The Handmaid’s Tale is an effective way for the author to convey complex themes such as oppression, control, and the dehumanization of women. Through the use of these symbolic associations with color, Atwood reinforces the idea that in Gilead, women’s worth is measured solely by their ability to bear children and serve their male masters. The color of the walls serves as a constant reminder of the characters’ place in society and the loss of freedom and agency they have experienced, a reminder of the bleak and oppressive nature of Gilead’s society.
The wall as a means of control over sexuality
The wall is a prominent symbol in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, representing the oppressive control the Republic of Gilead exerts over its inhabitants. One of the primary ways this control is exerted is through the regulation of sexuality.
- Sexual repression: The wall serves as a stark reminder to the Handmaids of the consequences of deviating from the strict rules governing sexuality. The public executions that take place on the wall are meant to deter any sexual activity outside of prescribed arrangements, such as that between Commanders and their Handmaids.
- Physical barrier: The wall is a physical barrier that separates the inhabitants of Gilead from the outside world. This isolation serves to reinforce the totalitarian regime and prevent any outside influence on the society’s moral values and beliefs, particularly when it comes to sex and sexuality.
- Shame: The public executions on the wall are meant not only to punish those who have violated the regime’s strict laws but also to shame them. The sight of a person hanging from the wall serves as a warning to others and reinforces the belief that any sexual activity outside of the prescribed arrangements is not only illegal but also morally wrong.
The use of the wall as a means of control over sexuality demonstrates the lengths to which the Republic of Gilead will go to maintain its grip on power. By regulating the sexual behavior of its inhabitants, the regime is able to ensure conformity and reinforce its worldview. However, the brutality and violence inherent in this strategy suggest a society that is fundamentally unstable and unsustainable.
In conclusion, the wall symbolizes the power and brutality of the regime in The Handmaid’s Tale, particularly when it comes to its regulation of sexuality. By understanding the function of this symbol, readers can gain insight into the oppressive nature of Gilead’s society and the lengths it is willing to go to maintain control.
The role of the wall in reinforcing gender roles
The wall in The Handmaid’s Tale is a powerful symbol that plays a significant role in reinforcing gender roles. The wall literally divides society, separating different social groups based on their gender, with men living in the world beyond the wall and women trapped in their assigned roles within the oppressive society of Gilead.
- The wall creates a physical barrier that reinforces the gender roles by separating men and women. This isolates women, preventing them from connecting with the outside world and other women who may have ideas about gender equality.
- The wall shows the fragility of women’s power in the society of Gilead. The pure physical strength of the wall and the men who maintain it serves as a constant reminder of their inferiority, making it hard for the women to challenge, resist, or escape their restrictions.
- The wall also serves as a form of psychological control. It’s a symbol of confinement and oppression, and a reminder to the women that they’re always being watched and monitored. The wall is a powerful symbol of the regime’s desire to assert its control over those within its borders.
Furthermore, the wall reinforces the idea that women are valued only for their reproductive functions. The Handmaids are forced to parade around the wall during their monthly walking sessions, displaying their swollen bellies to the world. This spectacle reinforces the idea that their only purpose in society is to bear children, and that their bodies are nothing more than reproductive machines. The wall casts a long shadow over the lives of the Handmaids, who are literally walled off from the rest of society and whose only function is to breed.
The wall is a powerful symbol of the patriarchal control that operates in the society of Gilead. As such, it serves as a potent reminder of the gender roles that exist within this oppressive regime. The fact that the women are isolated and confined behind the wall reinforces their inferiority and reminds them that they are nothing more than objects, whose only value is as reproductive tools for the regime. The wall serves as a constant reminder of the gender roles and the power dynamics that operate in the society of Gilead and is therefore a central symbol in The Handmaid’s Tale.
| Symbolism of the wall: | What it reinforces: |
| Physical barrier | The separation of men and women, women’s isolation from the outside world |
| Psychological control | The regime’s power and control over the women |
| Reproductive function | Women’s only value as tools for reproduction |
The wall may seem mundane, but in the context of the story, it serves as one of the most powerful symbols of oppression and the enforcement of gender roles in The Handmaid’s Tale.
The wall as a tool of propaganda
In the world of The Handmaid’s Tale, the wall serves as one of the most prominent symbols of the oppressive regime that has taken over the United States. This tall and imposing structure is not only a physical barrier, separating different parts of the city, but it is also used as a tool of propaganda by the ruling government.
The wall is used as a means of displaying the power of the government over its citizens. Bodies of executed criminals, terrorists, and even dissidents are left hanging on the wall for days or weeks on end, as a warning to others who might consider rebellion. In the world of the story, the wall is not just a physical barrier but a constant reminder of the government’s power and the consequences of disobedience.
- The wall illustrates the government’s control over the citizens of Gilead.
- It also serves as a warning to people who might consider opposing the regime.
- The wall is used as a form of psychological warfare, instilling fear and obedience in the hearts of the people.
Moreover, the wall is used as a form of entertainment. Public displays of executions are a popular event, with citizens crowding around the wall to watch. This is particularly poignant when Offred sees that the bodies hanging on the wall are people she knew or had a connection with in her previous life.
The wall also has a religious connotation, as it is described as “a shrine to the executed.” This demonstrates how the government has twisted religious beliefs to serve their purposes and how they use religion to justify their actions. The wall reinforces the power of the religious right in Gilead, showing just how much control they wield over the society.
| Symbolism | Significance |
|---|---|
| The bodies hanging on the wall | A warning to people who might consider rebelling against the government. |
| The religious connotation of the wall | Illustrates how the government twists religion to justify its actions and reinforces the power of the religious right. |
| The wall as a form of entertainment | Demonstrates the desensitization of the citizens towards public executions and the normalization of violence in the society. |
In conclusion, the wall in The Handmaid’s Tale serves as a powerful symbol of the oppressive regime in Gilead and the ways in which propaganda is used to maintain that regime’s power over its citizens. By using the wall as a tool of psychological warfare, entertainment, and religious propaganda, the government maintains control and reinforces the idea that it is all-powerful. The wall serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against the status quo and the dangers of blindly following authority.
The wall as a reminder of past atrocities
In Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the wall represents a powerful symbol of oppression and the reminder of past atrocities committed by the totalitarian government of Gilead. The wall is a constant presence in the society of Gilead, looming over its citizens as a reminder of the punishment that awaits those who dare to defy the regime.
One of the most unsettling aspects of the wall is the fact that it is made up of bodies – specifically, the bodies of those who have been executed for their crimes. The wall acts as a warning to others that the consequences for disobedience are severe and often deadly. It serves as a way for the government to maintain their power and keep their citizens in line.
Moreover, the wall serves as a haunting reminder of the society’s past. Before Gilead, the wall was once the place where people came to express their grievances and exercise their right to free speech. Now, it represents the complete opposite – the suppression of free expression and the absence of basic human rights.
- The wall is a constant reminder of the dangers of rebellion and the cost of freedom.
- The wall represents the loss of basic human rights and freedoms, and the price paid for allowing totalitarian regimes to take control.
- The bodies that make up the wall are a symbol of the atrocities committed by the government and their willingness to use fear and violence to maintain power.
Overall, the wall in “The Handmaid’s Tale” serves as a haunting symbol of oppression and the cost of complacency. It is a sobering reminder of the need to resist authoritarianism and to fight for the preservation of individual liberties and freedoms. As Atwood’s novel reminds us, the wall may only be physical, but the ideology that it represents is far more insidious and dangerous.
Table: Examples of atrocities committed by the Gilead regime
| Atrocity | Description |
|---|---|
| Execution of dissenters | Citizens who spoke out against the government were publicly hanged, and their bodies were left to rot on the wall as a warning to others. |
| Forced indoctrination | Women were forced to undergo brainwashing and indoctrination to ensure their loyalty to the government’s beliefs and values. |
| Denial of basic rights | Women were denied basic rights and freedoms, including the right to read, hold a job, or choose their own partners. |
The wall as a motif for totalitarian regimes
The wall is a powerful symbol that has been utilized by totalitarian regimes throughout history. In The Handmaid’s Tale, the wall is used by the oppressive government of Gilead to display the bodies of those who have been executed for going against their strict laws. The wall serves as a constant reminder to citizens of Gilead that any deviation from the government’s expectations will not be tolerated.
- As a symbol of power: The wall in The Handmaid’s Tale is not just a physical barrier but is an embodiment of the government’s power. The government uses the wall as a means to control the masses by reminding them of the consequences of dissent. This creates a sense of fear among citizens that prevents them from stepping out of line, essentially keeping them in line.
- As a tool for propaganda: The wall in The Handmaid’s Tale serves to spread the government’s propaganda to the masses. The display of mutilated bodies and heads on the wall is not only a warning but also a tool for the government to spread fear and intimidate its people.
- As a symbol of oppression: The wall can also be considered a symbol of oppression in The Handmaid’s Tale. The wall and the government’s use of it as a tool for propaganda and control are a constant reminder of the lack of freedom in Gilead. The wall is a stark representation of how far the government is willing to go to enforce its ideals on its citizens.
Even though The Handmaid’s Tale is a fictional work, the wall serves as a reminder of the use of walls by totalitarian regimes in the real world. The Berlin Wall, for example, was a physical barrier erected by the Soviet Union in 1961 to stop East Germans from escaping to the West. The wall was a reminder of the Soviet Union’s iron grip on its subjects, blocking their freedom of movement. The wall and its eventual fall symbolize the defeat of authoritarianism and an opening of borders and potential for liberty.
| Wall | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The Wall in The Handmaid’s Tale | A tool for propaganda, control and oppression by the government of Gilead |
| Berlin Wall | Symbolized the Soviet Union’s iron grip on its people, preventing freedom of movement |
In conclusion, the wall in The Handmaid’s Tale serves as a powerful motif for totalitarian regimes. Like in real life, walls can serve as tools for propaganda, control, and oppression. The use of walls by governments to instill fear and intimidate citizens is a tactic that has been employed throughout history. The Handmaid’s Tale is a reminder of the dangers of authoritarianism, and the crucial importance of fighting for individual freedom and liberty.
The Wall as a Representation of the Loss of Privacy
In Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the wall is a prominent symbol that represents the loss of privacy. The wall separates different parts of the city to create control, and it is used to prevent people from seeing what is happening on the other side. The following list explains the ways the wall is used to symbolize the loss of privacy:
- The wall prevents people from seeing what is happening on the other side, creating a sense of isolation and distrust.
- The wall is used as a psychological tactic to keep people in check. The fear of what may be happening on the other side keeps the people from acting out.
- The wall creates a sense of confinement, as people are boxed in by the structure, disallowing them from going anywhere else.
Furthermore, the wall symbolizes the fear of being watched and the loss of personal space. The handmaids, for instance, are constantly under surveillance and must always keep their heads down when walking past the wall. The wall embodies the sentiment that their privacy is nonexistent and that they must always be careful because they are being watched.
Overall, the wall’s presence throughout the novel suggests that privacy is a luxury that the characters no longer have access to, creating a society that is controlled by fear and isolation.
What Does the Wall Symbolize in The Handmaid’s Tale?
1. What is the wall?
The wall is a large structure built around the city of Gilead to keep people in or out.
2. What does the wall symbolize in The Handmaid’s Tale?
The wall symbolizes the oppressive regime of Gilead and serves as a reminder of the power that the government has over its citizens.
3. Why are bodies hung on the wall?
Bodies are hung on the wall as a warning to citizens that disobeying the rules of Gilead can lead to severe punishment.
4. What does the wall say about the society of Gilead?
The wall serves as a reflection of society in Gilead, highlighting the fear, oppression, and brutality that exist under the government’s control.
5. Why is the wall important to the story?
The wall is a central symbol in the book, representing the overarching theme of power and control in Gilead. It serves as a constant reminder of the limitations that are placed on the women living in this society.
6. How does the wall impact the characters in The Handmaid’s Tale?
The wall has a significant impact on the characters’ mental and emotional states, reinforcing the idea that they are constantly being watched and controlled.
7. Is there any hope of tearing down the wall in The Handmaid’s Tale?
The wall serves as a physical representation of the government’s power, and tearing it down would require an overthrow of the existing regime.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to explore the symbolism behind the wall in The Handmaid’s Tale. The book’s themes of power and control are still relevant today, and its cautionary tale is a reminder of the importance of fighting for equality and humanity. Come back soon for more thought-provoking articles.