Neologisms, Biblical References, and Language Musing

Neologisms, Biblical Language, and Language Musing

            Margaret Atwood utilizes neologisms, biblical language, and language musing throughout The Handmaid’s Tale to accentuate that Gilead is a different world. A neologism is a newly coined term. Atwood uses neologisms to emphasize Gilead’s different lifestyle. Some neologisms include “The Commander” and “Unwomen”. Many neologisms have to do with the Bible, which is often referenced in The Handmaid’s Tale. Offred refers to the Bible when talking about the ways of Gilead. Other Biblical references include greetings, such as “Praise Be”. The republic of Gilead manipulates its population through the Bible and Biblical Language. Another literary element that Atwood uses is language musing. Offred spends a lot of her time thinking about words and their true meanings. This language musing shows the importance of literacy to Offred, but also shows her defiance to Gilead’s ways (which bans reading and writing amongst women), making the reader wonder the true extent of Offred's unhappiness.

Foils

Who is a foil to Offred?

            Moira, Offreds best friend, is a foilsin many ways.  Offred often flashes back to times with Moira, to when the two girls were young, wild, and free. Throughout the novel, Moira constantly contrasts Offred. The first time Moira shows up is in chapter seven. Moira is exotically dressed, smoking, and pushing Offred to go drinking. But Offred is hesitant to go out because she has schoolwork to tend to; she wants to follow the rules. Moira helps the reader realized that Offred has a personality that leans toward what she has to do before doing what she wants to do. Moira is outgoing and flashy, having “underwhore part[ies]” (66 Atwood). This acts as a foil to Offred’s demure and reserved lifestyle. 

            Offred always tags along with Moira, going along with her fun, going to get a beer, and attending the Underwhore party. Offred synchronizes with Moira in thing such as when Moira exclaims her need for a cigarette, Offred answers “Me too” (83 Atwood). This shows that Offred has similar feelings as Moira; leading to the conclusion that Offred feels just as suppressed as Moira, but does not have the courage to withstand Gilead’s ways like Moira does. Moira expresses the way Offred feels, but reveals Offred’s cowardice. Furthermore, Offred states that it makes her “feel safe, that Moira is here” (81 Atwood). Moira is Offred’s backbone. But when Moira escapes, who will be Offred's backbone then?