"We yearned for the future. How did we learn it, that talent for instability? It was in the air; and it was still in the air, an afterthought, as we tried to sleep, in the army cots that had been set up in rows, with spaces between so we could not talk. We had flanellette sheets, like children's and army-issue blankets, old ones that still said U.S. We folded our clothes neatly and laid them on the stools at the ends of the bed. The lights were turned down but not out. Aunt Sara and Aunt Elizabeth patrolled; they had electric cattle prods slung on thongs from their leather belts." (Page 3-4).
Due to this paragraph being on the second page it reveals to the reader a lot of information as we are just attempting to acclimate ourselves to the book. Its revealed that they are not suppose to talk "with spaces between so we could not talk". But exactly why they are not allowed to talk remains unclear. Them yearning for the future is clearly the women not enjoying the world they are currently living in. However, the specification for "the future" either means that they were not satisfied with the past themselves or its just a logical conclusion that they cannot move backwards. The reference to their sheets being "flannelette, like a children's" creates this metaphor. Along with having belongings like a child's, they are constantly watched, told what to do, when to speak etc. Also the sheets "that still said U.S." would mean that the United States no longer exists as we know it. This sets up the idea that in its in the future. However, this is especially striking to Americans because its our country.
One thing that is not specifically unique to the novel it appears is "We". At the beginning of the paragraph it almost constantly references this idea of "we". This could be a window into their mind and how they view themselves. They cannot see the individual, but only the many as one entity. This dramatics the rapidity of the changes when we look at these comments in conjunction with the fact that US Army blankets still exist, which acts as a reference point. Within years of the fall of the US where ideals of freedom were heavily thought of the citizens already think of themselves more as a "we".
- How do you think Atwoods oppression of women in the 1950's correlates to in the book? For example, one form of oppression towards women is the fact that they were abused and made to feel like it was their fault whereas in Gilead such conduct would be illegal, so it exists less.
Austin S said...
- Why do you think Atwood uses harsh words to detonate men in this society? Is it because they are guilty of persecuting the women or simply to contrast the differences? Like later on the Commander is seen as almost a friend to Offred even though he's partially responsible for what happened.
- I thought your observation of the parellel structure in the fact that the guardians cannot go inside and the handmaids cannot go outside was interesting. But more over than create a dichotomous feeling I wonder if Atwood put it there to show how even though the men are in control, they still have to follow rules. Later on this idea seems to be related to Serena Joy, she preaches for women to stay home and once this is achieved she is somewhat left with nothing to do.
- Why do you think Atwood uses harsh words to detonate men in this society? Is it because they are guilty of persecuting the women or simply to contrast the differences? Like later on the Commander is seen as almost a friend to Offred even though he's partially responsible for what happened.
Would you agree that the author uses the word "we" is also used to portray not only how the women think of themselves but also how society thinks of them?
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