Symbolism

As I said in my last post, "The Handmaids Tale" is completely loaded with symbolism. I discussed the symbolism of color last time and the significance and the role of color in this novel. But their is so much more symbolism to be discovered in this book.

Many object of symbolism in this book are very odd, every day objects. For example the chair. The chair symbolizes a hierarchy and authority. When the household is called together, Serena Joy "makes her way to the chair"(p. 92) Only the Commander and the Wife sit in a chair. The Handmaid kneels and the Marthas stand.

Odd object of symbolism is flowers. Flowers are often mentioned in this book. Offred describes Serena's garden and each and every flower. She describes Serena's perfume as "a mist of Lily of the Valley".(p. 104) When not wanting to further her story, Offred says she tried to make the story nicer with the flowers. Also, there is imagery of dried flowers in Serena's lounge. These dried flowers represent a barren womb or a man who is sterile. When Offred sees the commander with his clothes of she describes him as "something being dried"(p. 267)

Another odd object that Offred finds herself relating to is an egg. Offred says, "I think that this is what God must look like: an egg. The life of the moon may not be on the surface, but inside" (p. 120)  The egg is also a representation of Offred's desperation for contact. She is extremely lonely and has nothing better to do than form attachments with an egg. She says, "pleasure is an egg...if I have an egg, what more do I want?"(p.120) She goes on to say, "in reduced circumstances the desire to live attaches itself to strange objects."(p. 120)  The inside of the egg can also be representing life. But then she she eats the inside.

One more symbolism I am going to mention is a phrase Aunt Lydia said, "Pen Is Envy"(p.196). This can be representing the power of words and story telling, but if you shift the letters together, it could also mean Penis Envy. Women being jealous of men and the power they have. Especially in Gilead.

There is so much underground meaning in this book. So much symbolism to decipher it is hard to understand and find it all.