Choose a minor character. Why is that character included in the novel? What do they symbolize? How do they contribute to Atwood's larger message?
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ReplyDeletethe minor character Ofglen is utilized in the novel as a symbol. revealing her true resistance to Offred, she offers to let Offred "join us" (Atwood 218). She is used by Atwood as a symbol of subversive resistance to tyrannical government. Ofglen is a poignant symbol in that her character serves as a handmaid, one of the most essential roles of the setting's government. This is connected to Atwood's focus on political power in the hands of people. Ofglen is also used to represent all resistance to the regime. This can be connected to the setting's religious background and the original sin of Eve. To this end, Ofglen's offering to Offred can be seen as the apple of knowledge, which can be seen with the many questions Offred wishes to ask, all about "people" (218). Offred is revealed as Atwood's subtle tool to depict an opposing force to the powers in Offred's world.
CJ NAVALTA
Name: Michael Tamin
ReplyDeleteResponse: Original Posting
Luke is an important minor character in the novel. Although he never appears in the book, Offred frequent flashbacks refer to her life with him. She remembers how life was prior to Gilead: "lying in bed, with Luke, his hand on my rounded belly"(131). Recalling her previous lifestyle, thoughts of Luke can be quickly seen as her connection to her past, as well as what she hopes will be her future. Despite living through a way of life Offred finds numbingly monotonous and demeaning, she keeps herself occupied with thoughts of Luke. "I'd like to have Luke here, in this bedroom while I'm getting dressed" (258), Offred thinks to herself. These and similar thoughts and speculation allow Offred to survive in her new anvironment.
Atwood most included Luke in her novel to provide background information leading up to the rise of the Gilead Republic. Through descriptions of her life with him, Offred tells of the events prior to the major changes, as well as of her childhood [which, through her description of money ("pieces of paper ... green-colored ... {and} plastic cards" (224)) and other aspects of society, readers can infer that Offred grew up in a time period not too different from our's and that despite how far-fetched and distantly-timed this society seems,it is actually in the near future]. He is a symbol of the past which Offred cannot escape. Luke connects to one of Atwood's larger messages by revealing the importance of one's connection to the past. Thoughts of him keep Offred (more) content, and more importantly, provides her with hope for the future. At the same time, Atwood is providing the message that one should also never give up hope, and that one can look towards the past to aid them.
Moira is a symbolic minor character. Her attitude, actions, and outward appearance all emit a type of rebellious air. When Offred retells the story of Moira's escape, she says that "Moira had power now."(172) The fact that she risked her life to be released from within the walls of the school, shows that she was willing to fight for freedom. This willingness makes the character of Moira a symbol of the spirit of revolution.
ReplyDeleteMoira is used in the novel to portray beliefs that Offred once thought to be radical or unnecessary and now clings to. Moira was Offred's hope her "fantasy" (172). The past that Moira and Offred had together is the reason that Offred is able to think something can be done, and that the society can change. Moira is used throughout the novel as a symbol for perserverence and fight and strength and difference. She is everything Offred knows is needed if someone were to overthrow the government. She is ultimatly the personification of hope.
Moira's connection to the meaning of the book entirely is that Atwood needed someone to show that not all was lost in this obscured era. Her antics proved that "Their power had a flaw in it" (172). Moira fit in to Atwood's sub-theme that there is no such thing as a lost cause.
Name: James Cheung
ReplyDeleteResponse: Original Posting
An important minor character to take note of in the Handmaid's Tale is Moira. Moira is a staunch feminist and immediately opposed the Republic of Gilead's oppression of women, revealing that unlike the other submissive women, she is as Erin stated "a type of rebellious air" when she held Aunt Elizabeth hostage and later escaped from male dominance. However as she was about to leave Gilead, she was captured by the Eyes and later seen working as a prostitute in Jezebels, "dressed for Easter, in rabbit suits...smoking a cigarette," (311). It is revealed that when Moira was captured by the Eyes, they showed her a movie of life in the Colonies and all the horrific miseries in the Colonies, most likely being the most fatal punishment for sterile or rebellious women. Moira chose to work as a prostitute in Jezebels and soon reduced herself to wearing an immodest playboy outfit under the will of the Commanders. The failed escape and the deterioration of Moira's free-spirit shows that even the most-independent and rebellious person can be crushed and broken by the totalitarian Republic of Gilead.
Andrew Pagan
ReplyDeleteResponse to CJ
I have to agree with CJ and how Ofglen is a symbol of the resistance during these times. Ofglen somehow knows everything that goes on in the household. She knew exactly when Offred was with the Commander and that they were doing something that wasn't legal in the regime. In addition, her ability to have inside power only illuminates more on the story of Adam and Eve. I always wondered why Eve was punished from eating from the Tree of Knowledge. She only obtained more information and with God banishing the two from the Garden makes me feel as if he wanted to keep them ignorant and not intelligent. Ofglen accurately reflects the events in the Bible with the way she has so much knowledge people aren't suppose to have.
I also agree with how you Ofglen depicts between the opposing forces. This is just me, but I believe in equilibrium. With a fore such as the Guardians and their government there has to be a equal force opposing the regime. I must state that Guardians is somewhat a ironic name for these soldiers who don't really watch over the handmaid's and save them from unright doings.
Tiffany
ReplyDeleteResponse: Original Posting
Like Erin and James, I also chose Moira as an important minor character in the novel. Moira appears in the novel from time to time and even when she isn't present, she appears in Offred's thoughts. Offred would describe Moira's attitude towards others, her free spirited personality, and what she may have said if she were present in certain situations. I agree with Erin's idea that Moira represented Offred's hope. However, I also believe that Moira was also represented hope for the readers. For example, when Moira appeared at the Red Centre, Offred's hope were raised which led her to take a risk and meet Moira in the bathroom. And when Moira attacked one of the Aunt and escapes, it raised the readers hope that she was going to do something to help the other Handmaids. It is because of Moira's rebellious nature that readers and Offred has hope that there can be change. Lastly, as Erin had stated, Moira helps to portray Atwood's message because she needed to have a character in the book be the one person who stood out and challenged the rules. Moira was one of the reasons why the readers, Offred, and probably the other women were able to believe Atwood's message that there will be brighter days ahead.
Name:Jacky
ReplyDeletePost:Original
Moira is a minor character in the novel but she reprsents strength and freedom. Once Moira had challenged the Aunts and escaped "[her] story pasted among [the girls]" (172). She carries the determination to be free from blending in with everyone else and conforming to the rules. This conflicts with Atwood's overal meaning of the book because she's rebelling in a society that revolves around being the same and where women are weak.
Although Moira is in a society where she must be weak she proves that she has more power than is believe. "I could injure you so badly so you would never feel good in your body again" she tells Aunt Elizabeth (172). Moira shows her power and makes it known. Although her tactics may have been extreme, she can be looked upon as a role model for the other women.
If the women were to have a strong independent role model they may arise and empower themselves. Moira is a symbol for what the other girls yearn for, admire and miss in life. There is no perfection in this novel by Atwood, and she wanted to make that known. If it were not for Moira seeing the opportunity to rebel there would have been no hope for the others.
Name: Naftali
ReplyDeletePosting: Original
Serena Joy comes to serve as a rather symbolic character through whose presence, Atwood further depicts The Republic of Gilead and conveys her larger message. While there are numerous messages that can be derived from the novel, the ultimate message conveyed by Atwood is one reflecting on humanity in its entirety. While she does convey the flaws of gender-initiated segregation, the flaws of authoritarianism and the realities of society, it is ultimately humanity that can be portrayed by the novel. It is not the frivolousness of society captured by Atwood in the novel by rather, the more basic depiction of humanity that she comes to rely. With focus on such technicalities on the material life’s of each of the characters (aside from the multiple symbolic items-cigarettes, books, magazines, etc.) is present, it is the focus on humanity which is always underlying. This focus is expounded, in part, through the development of all characters, each of who comes to pertain to certain components of human nature. In the case of Serena Joy, much about Atwood’s message regarding humanity is revealed. Above all else, much about the dismalness in life created by power and wealth is depicted by Atwood’s characterization of Joy. For the most part, Joy’s entire reality is depicted through the dull acts of knitting scarves and gossiping with the other wives. While this in part reflects the envy or loathsome impression of the oppressed Offred, it also serves a solemn reminder of the outcomes of possessing all the materials you desire. While Joy has at her fingertips all those amenities restricted for use by the women under her, she lives in much isolation and with seemingly little excitement. While it is under this pretense that Offred dwells, her aspirations for the future, retrospective thought and allocated tasks provide some meaning to her life, despite an utter lacking of the above noted amenities. While Joy is positioned in a place of power, controlling multiple of others and commanding their respect, she has little more value, if not less, to her life and thus comes to depict the realities of power’s impact upon individual human lives. In addition to the portrayal of this role, Serena Joy comes to embody other components of Atwood’s message. Through her brokerage of sorts between Offred and Nick, a different side of Serena Joy is conveyed. Her desire for a child as well as desire to create a life with more interest brings her to the position in which she negotiates with the two parties, planning to violate the law. Just as Offred chooses to take the risk of going out with the commander to “break the monotony “(Atwood 300), Joy comes to add this risk, this illegal act to her life. Despite her place of power, she comes to, just as Offred below her, desire to break the monotony and add interest to her life. Thus Serena Joy comes to bring about revelations in the novel, primarily regarding power and its relation to human nature. It is for this reason she is included in the novel and this role in which she aids Atwood convey her larger message.
Clarissa Silvestre
ReplyDeleteResponse to Erin&Tiffany
I fully agree with Erin and Tiffany that Moira is an important minor character in the novel who symbolizes female resistance and hope in the Gilead. Forced to serve as a handmaid, Moira is unnoticeably unhappy living within Red Center under the strict control of the Aunts. Her successful sneaky escapes from the Center and her ability to stand up to authority prove how rebellious she truly is. Moira is capable to go against the Gilead’s favorable ways for women to function in society. She represents “girl power” and as Erin stated, she is demonstrates the perseverance, courage, strength and change for the handmaids. For the hope and the better in change of the way women are perceived in the Gilead.
Moira expresses hope for Offred at her times of struggle. For instance, when Offred is at The Club with the Commander she struggles trying to fit in and enjoy her time there while acknowledging the fact that it is an illegal act, but when she spots Moira her struggles and signs of worry die away. The atmosphere during their reunion shows it is a hopeful and blissful one as, “the others smile and Moira hugs [Offred]” (Atwood 314). Offred is seen to be very pleased that she has been reunited with Moira as she exclaims, “I still can’t believe it’s her. I touch her arm again. Then I begin to cry” (315). Offred and Moira’s reconnection proves to bring hope for Offred for she has someone she can trust and will truly keep her company. In addition, it proves that she knows Moira is safe since the last time she saw her before her escape. Moira’s reappearance in the novel symbolizes Moira’s hope and strength for change for the women in the Gilead is stronger than ever.
Although Moira’s presence in the novel isn’t always frequent, she still is included to show hope for Offred in times when she felt she has lost her completely and to other women who have been stripped from their rights and forced to live a new life full of unjust. Just as Tiffany stated, Atwood includes Moira in the novel to demonstrate the strength ahead for bigger and brighter days. In addition, that she is a character to challenge the rules and break free of the injustice. Her free spirit and independence is great example for readers to realize there is still the utmost strength and resistance to any injustice and inequality, even though it may be difficult to overcome.
Name: Genesis
ReplyDeleteResponese: Original post
Luke and Offred's daughter are minor characters in the novel who show importance. These two represent the past and how life was before Gilead. Offreds refusal to forget about them is her holding onto her life prior to becoming a Handmaid. The memory of Luke and her daughter keep Offred connected with who she really is. After Offred kisses Nick she feels guilty as if she betrayed Luke. This guilt proves that Offred believes that Luke is not only still alive, but so is the relationship she has with him. This connection to the past may be Offreds reason to remain obidiant in order to survive.
Alex Tsang
ReplyDeleteOrigional Posting
Moria is an important minor character in The Handmaid's Tale. The society that Moria lives in is ruled by a totalitarian government with very harsh rules and punishments. This government sets up a mood that there can be no resistance to it, since they are under constant surveillance from the Eyes. Moria however, rises up against this power and manages to successfully escape. She effectively symbolizes hope since she was put in a seemingly hopeless situation but managed to overcome and “set herself loose”(Atwood 172). This causes her to bee seen by Offred as a person to look up to when thinks seem to be at their worst. Offred even thinks of using the same attack that Moria used on the Aunt on the commander. This clearly demonstrates how much Moria means to her and how much hope she brings in. Without her, it is likely that Offred would succumb to the pressure of her oppressors with very little resistance and be without hope. Moria also effectively reinforces Atwood's larger message of no matter what kind of suppression that blocks your path, you can always find a way through. She was met with hostility at all angles but managed to find a way out.
name: Dan
ReplyDeleteresponse: Original
In the Handmaid’s Tale Moira is a minor character that is included in the novel to serve as an old friend of the main character, Offred, who hated the life in Gilead and escaped Gilead. She symbolizes willpower and strength because of her resistance against Gilead and her passion and courage to escape. "Moira had power now, she'd been set loose, she'd set herself loose. She was now a loose woman" (172). This quote proves that she symbolizes strength as Offred mentions her having “power” now. She also symbolizes freedom and hope by having power as well as setting an example of the women that there is an escape to Gilead’s totalitaric laws. Thus, Moira contributes to Atwood’s larger message, which is the fallacies in patriarchal beliefs on the lifestyles of women and their “jobs”. The Commander mentions saying that because of Gilead, women can “fulfill their biological destinies in peace” (284). Moira serves as the resistance to this indicating that this isn’t women’s destiny. Just because women are able to get pregnant doesn’t mean that this is their destiny. Destiny is weird choice of word because there is a huge controversy in the word itself. While many people say everyone is born with a destiny, others say that there is no such thing as destiny. People does not have a defined destiny, that they have the choice to live however they want to. However, apparently Gilead made women’s pregnancy not a choice, but as a forced destiny set for women. Because Moira is able to escape this destiny, this means that this truly isn’t a set destiny for women. That women do have the choice to resist such destiny and that this destiny made by Gilead is only but a restriction of the women’s true “destiny”. Therefore, Moira contributes to Atwoods message on how absurd many of the patriarchal beliefs in the real world are, and also her message to encourage women to fight against such beliefs.
Name: Matthew
ReplyDeleteResponse: Original Posting
Ofglen's presence in The Handmaid's Tale symbolizes the narrator's development throughout the novel. She mentions to the narrator that "I thought you were a true believer" (Atwood 218). This hearkens back to how Offred was in the beginning of the novel, fulfilling the role thrust upon her with little deviation. It is a representation of the depth to which Offred had assimilated into the society. Then later "there's a password... and who isn't" (261). This represents the large distance that Offred has traversed since the beginning, such as her evenings with the Commander and joining the impromptu group that Ofglen belongs too. This period also foreshadows the point of Offred's freedome, whether from the organization or her bondage, as Ofglen is giving her the tools, so to speak, to move on from her.
Name: Donna Chow
ReplyDeleteResponse: Original Posting
In The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, the Commander of Offred is a symbol to how the society that Offred lives in is not only a trap and limitation for women but also for men. The Commander is included to show a little of the men’s point of view in the society, because through out the whole book the point of view is by Offred. The Commander, like the rest of the men in the Republic of Gilead, ‘is doing his duty’ (Atwood, 122) when he has sex with Offred, just as Offred’s job is to stay still and allow him to have sex with her. The Commander has no choice, just as the handmaid’s don’t have a choice, because without him having sex with the women there wouldn’t be a future for the Republic of Gilead. The men also face the danger of being killed because in such cases when the Commander wants to bring Offred to a club Offred knows that “what he’s proposing is risky, for him but especially for me” (300). The Commander under the pressure of the society does break loose from it secretly and symbolizes how the restraints can take a toll on even the men that are supposed to be superior and command the Republic of Gilead. One of Atwood’s messages by using the Commander as a symbol is that there are always two sides of a story and societies that oppress and segregate by race, color, or any generalizations will eventually break.
Name: Alfie Rafael
ReplyDeleteResponse: Original/ Erin
In the Handmaid's Tale, Moira is used to symbolize the hope of freedom and slight lack of power of the perpetrators. With Moira's elaborate escape, the Aunts "power had a flaw to it" (Atwood 172). WIth this, the women are able to be hopeful in escaping because there is now a chance of escaping, since they know that it isn't impossible to escape. Also, since this shows the flaws of the Aunts, there could be more flaws that could be exposed later on, thus helping them escape. Once a habit is broken, in this case keeping authority, the Aunts. are prone to experience the broken habit it in the future