War Conflicted

The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood, explores oppression, control, and the struggle for freedom in a society.

There is a specific connection between the novel and the conflict between Israel and Palestine, focusing on the treatment of women and the use of religion for oppression. Both Gilead and the Israeli government are seen as forces, exerting control over the lives of their populations. In Gilead, women are stripped of their rights and treated poorly, while in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Palestinians and Israelis are subjected to crimes against humanity.

In Chapter 6 of The Handmaid’s Tale, Offred and Ofglen are standing by the Wall, looking at the bodies of people whom Gilead has hung. At the end of the chapter, Aunt Lydia tells Offred that what may seem extraordinary now will eventually become ordinary. This highlights the theme of the ability of individuals to adjust to their circumstances, no matter how oppressive or unjust they may be.

Another significant quote from the novel is, “Better never means better for everyone…It always means worse, for some”. This quote emphasizes the inequality and injustice in Gilead’s society, where the privileges and benefits enjoyed by some come at the expense of others.

The Handmaid’s Tale also explores the concept of identity and the ways in which it can be manipulated and controlled. Offred reflects on the loss of her name, which has been replaced by her assigned role as a Handmaid. She realizes that her name holds more meaning than a simple telephone number, and its absence represents a loss of her individuality. The novel also goes into the theme of freedom, with Aunt Lydia stating, “There is more than one kind of freedom. Freedom to and freedom from. In the days of anarchy, it was freedom to. Now you are being given freedom from. Don’t underrate it”. This quote highlights the oppressive nature of Gilead’s regime, where individuals are stripped of their personal freedoms in the name of societal order and control.

In The Handmaid’s Tale, the regime of Gilead uses religion to justify its oppressive policies and control over women’s bodies. Similarly, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has deep religious roots, with both sides claiming historical and religious connections to their origin. This use of religion to justify violence and oppression is common in both narratives, highlighting the dangers of religious extremism.

Despite the situations, both the characters in The Handmaid’s Tale and the people living in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict find ways to resist and maintain hope. In Gilead, Offred’s secret acts of rebellion and her determination to survive serve as a symbol of resistance. Similarly the people of Israel and Palestine, through movements, international solidarity, and the pursuit of peace, demonstrate their resilience and desire for a better future.

The Handmaid’s Tale offers an exploration of power, oppression, and the struggle for freedom. By connecting the novel to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of these issues and the importance of empathy, understanding, and the fight for justice in our own world.