Exploring Symbolism, Character Development, and Themes in The Handmaid's Tale

This assignment focuses on the analysis of symbolism, character development, and themes in Margaret Atwood's novel, The Handmaid's Tale. Students are expected to explore the symbolic significance of elements such as the handmaids' red attire, names, and the Commander's household. Additionally, students will trace the character arcs of Offred, Serena Joy, and other secondary characters, examining their roles in the narrative. Finally, the assignment will delve into the themes of gender and power dynamics, memory and narrative, and surveillance and control, as depicted in the dystopian society of Gilead.

1. Symbolism:

   • Explore the symbolic significance of the handmaids' red attire in The Handmaid's Tale. How does the color red function as a symbol throughout the novel, and what deeper meanings does it convey about power, control, and identity?
   • Analyze the symbolic importance of names and naming conventions in The Handmaid's Tale. How do names like Offred, Ofglen, and Ofwarren reflect the themes of individuality, ownership, and dehumanization in the dystopian society?
   • Discuss the symbolism of the Commander's household, particularly the significance of objects like the Bible, the Ceremony room, and the Eyes. How do these symbols contribute to the novel's overall portrayal of oppression and resistance?

2. Character Development:

   • Trace the development of Offred as a character throughout The Handmaid's Tale. How does her internal conflict evolve over the course of the novel, and what does her journey reveal about the human capacity for survival and resistance in the face of tyranny? -In The Handmaid's Tale, Serena Joy emerges as a complex character whose actions and motivations elicit conflicting responses from readers. Drawing from Serena Joy's portrayal in the novel, analyze how her behavior towards Offred illuminates broader themes of power, gender dynamics, and the complicity of women within the oppressive regime of Gilead.

• Explore the role of secondary characters like Moira, Aunt Lydia, and Nick in The Handmaid's Tale. How do their interactions with Offred shape her understanding of the world and contribute to her development as a protagonist?

3. Themes:
   • Examine the theme of gender and power dynamics in The Handmaid's Tale. How does Atwood depict how patriarchal systems control and manipulate women's bodies, identities, and agency, and what commentary does the novel offer on gender inequality and resistance?
   • Discuss the theme of memory and narrative in The Handmaid's Tale. How does Offred's narration through fragmented memories and flashbacks contribute to the overall portrayal of a dystopian society that seeks to erase history and control the narrative? What is the significance of storytelling as an act of resistance?
   • Explore the theme of surveillance and control in The Handmaid's Tale. How does the omnipresence of surveillance, through entities like the Eyes and the Aunts, reflect broader themes of authoritarianism, privacy, and resistance in the novel's dystopian world?