Language provides us with an ability to speak and is the primary way we communicate within our world. Social interactions are primarily shaped through language. Language shapes cultures, and plays a vital role in day to day social interactions. We use language everyday, without reflection. The dystopia portrayed in The Handmaid’s Tale, is a perfect example of what can happen when language is restricted. In Gilead, this freedom of language that we take advantage of today, has been stripped from its people, and has become greatly regulated and monitored.
Roles in Gilead are restricted in how they converse with each other. The Handmaids are the most restricted in this society. They have accepted greetings and responses that are essentially scripted. There is a prime example of this in the beginning of chapter four, when Offred, the main character of the book, is waiting for her traveling partner. When the awaited Handmaid arrives, she and Offred exchange the following dialogue:
"'Blessed be the fruit'
- 'May the Lord open'
- 'The war is going well, I hear'
- 'Praise be'
- 'We've been …show more content…
Traditionally in Gilead, the relationship between the Commanders and the Handmaids is strictly one of business. This is because the Handmaid's sole purpose is to try and conceive their Commander’s child, every month during the Ceremony. Offred’s case is different. Although her circumstances were originally how they should be, things turned a little complicated. She and the Commander begin to develop a relationship, and it is through this, that she gains a sense power in her life. She is asked to play scrabble, which is banned in her world now. On top of this, the Commander gives her magazines to read-- this is both something she's not allowed to have or do. By having these freedoms that she once had, in a life where it is now forbidden, allowed her to obtain control and liberation in her
Roles in Gilead are restricted in how they converse with each other. The Handmaids are the most restricted in this society. They have accepted greetings and responses that are essentially scripted. There is a prime example of this in the beginning of chapter four, when Offred, the main character of the book, is waiting for her traveling partner. When the awaited Handmaid arrives, she and Offred exchange the following dialogue:
"'Blessed be the fruit'
- 'May the Lord open'
- 'The war is going well, I hear'
- 'Praise be'
- 'We've been …show more content…
Traditionally in Gilead, the relationship between the Commanders and the Handmaids is strictly one of business. This is because the Handmaid's sole purpose is to try and conceive their Commander’s child, every month during the Ceremony. Offred’s case is different. Although her circumstances were originally how they should be, things turned a little complicated. She and the Commander begin to develop a relationship, and it is through this, that she gains a sense power in her life. She is asked to play scrabble, which is banned in her world now. On top of this, the Commander gives her magazines to read-- this is both something she's not allowed to have or do. By having these freedoms that she once had, in a life where it is now forbidden, allowed her to obtain control and liberation in her