The central conflict in The Handmaid's Tale is the strict theocratic society in Gilead. This conflict applies to multiple characters because all the rules and expectations that this newly formed government outline pose as a problem for everyone; from the powerful men to the lower class servants, not one being can adapt to the new lifestyle. For the main protagonist in the novel, Offred, her position has a handmaid requires her to perform duties that degrade her as a woman leading to an internal conflict as she is unsure if going against the rules laid out by the government is what she wants to do. For example, when she is asked by the Wife to bed with another man in hopes of impregnating her, Offred is afraid that someone will discover this secret however in the end, Offred gives in to love and passion. Ironically, the Commander played a primary role in creating this new society but even he cannot adapt to the vast changes. He lacks companionship so he resorts to inviting Offred to accompany him in his study and goes as far as smuggling her into an underground club. Every woman never wishes to see their husband developing a relationship with another woman and this holds true for Serena Joy, the Commander's Wife. What adds oil to the fire is that Offred is necessary for her to 'have' a child so Serena must tolerate her under all circumstances. Serena seems to desperately try to rid their family of Offred by asking the handmaid to bed with another man so that she may become pregnant and leave their home sooner.
The conflict is resolved by the characters in a variety of ways because each one has an unique problem. However it is stated in the ending that the theocratic government comes to a downfall after many years. Also it can be implied that it becomes like our modern society once again as the ending takes place in the future and it is in the form of an university lecture. Offred also escapes from the Commander's household but it is unknown whether the Eye's van she was last seen stepping into was indeed a fake one containing members of the rebellion organization, Mayday, as Nick, the driver she has developed affections for, claims or the actual government coming to arrest her for her wrongdoings.
The strict theocratic government reminds me of the government in "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.. In both cases, the citizens are forced to adapt to what we view as a ridiculous lifestyle that is for the good of the people. In "Harrison Bergeron", there are controls that are intended to make everyone equal, whether in intelligence, physical appearance or in talent, no one can be better than the other.
Hi Cadface (:
ReplyDeleteAlthough many people would think about Offred and wonder what the true ending to this story is, I can't help but pity the wife, Serena. Even though Serena has the wealth and status(I'm assuming those facts here), she doesn't have the one thing that would actually make her happy, which is fertility. Because of that, she has to tolerate another woman inside her house, and inside her husband's bed. Therefore, I completely understand her want to get rid of Offred. All in all, I'm glad that the book states that this twisted government crumbles eventually, and I hope that Offred gets a happy ending.
Hey Cad,
ReplyDeleteThe fact that Offred must bed with the Commander as part of her duty as a handmaid reminds me of the arranged marriages in pre-modern times. The triangle here is very similar to when a woman must marry the man her family has arranged for her, but she has this man she loves outside. This is very similar to Offred's dilemma, because she has feelings for the driver, but she must fulfill her duty as a handmaid to bear a child for the Commander. The only difference is that Offred is not married to the Commander.
Anyway, I, like Kitty, am happy that such an evil government dies at the end.
Great post, Cad, and I'll be looking forward to reading more from you. (Hoho).