Rebellion Flashcards
‘but there were some women burning books’ Meaning
Offred attends a protest where woman are burning porn
‘but there were some women burning books’ Context
1980’s Porn became a divisive issue. Arguably being exploitive, dehumanising and promoting violence amongst women.
‘Let them bleed’ Meaning
Representing abortions
In handmaids all bodily autonomy rights are gone.
‘Let them bleed’ Context
1973 supreme court gave legal right to abortion, created riots.
‘He is demonstrating to me, his mastery of the world’
For the commander breaking rules is a game.
By bringing Offred to jezebel he demonstrates his power.
Commander rebellion
Offred in his study to read and play scrabble
Offred in brothel for sex
Serena Joy rebellion
Smoking
Suggests Commander is infertile
Organises Nick and Offred to sleep together
‘Offers Offred a cigarette in exchange for sleeping with Nick’
Serena uses Offred as an instrument for her rebellion and benefit.
Moira rebellion
Lesbian
Rebellion for survival
Epitomises the classic idea of a rebel
Moira no longer has her ‘heroism’
Gilead is able to break her down and she is left to resign to her fate.
How does Offglen rebel?
Apart of the resistance group mayday
Elizabeth Hansot says
‘Although Offred is drawn to the subversive potential her isolation and fear limit her involvement’
Margarett Atwood’s similarity to Offred
States ‘she is not a real activist’ but still wants ‘Laws to be written and enacted.’
‘I didnt go to any of the marches’
Before Gilead she takes on a traditional feminine role not partaking in the fight for woman’s rights.
Showing passivity Offred
She feels ‘Relief’ when Offglen no longer expects her to rebel.
