Exposition

Throughout the beginning of the story, a lot of emphasis was placed upon the entirety of depersonalization throughout society at various levels, both large and small. This is highlighted, mainly, through plot development; however, there are various literary aspects and techniques that also seem to work as means of conveying an objective society of anonymity. One such quote that seemed to emerge, in my opinion, as direct evidence of this can be found in chapter 2, where the narrator claims, "The door of the room - not my room, I refuse to say my - is not locked." By using the term "the", and then further analyzing its significance through a comparison with the word "my" in the text, Atwood is indefinitely displaying the suppressive tendencies of society at this time. Overall, I feel that most of the exposition - in which authors typically develop characters through dialogue, plot, and generalized descriptions has been used in an opposing manner in The Handmaid's Tale. Rather than developing individualized characters, Atwood chooses to develop the generalized role of the various sects of individuals within the story - for examples, the Marthas, the Wives, and the Handmaids. As we begin discussing this week's readings, I think we should remember to consider that, though these individuals have been stripped of their individuality and personalities, they must still survive as humans in a society in which shuns the typified humanistic tendencies.

For this week's first discussion prompt, consider the first five chapters: what event - whether plot or device driven - resonated as the most obvious and important exemplification of societal oppression and depersonalization, in your opinion?

Secondly, consider the books cover, which is displayed below. How do you think this piece of art exemplifies the centralized message that Atwood has already conveyed within the first five chapters of her novel. Rather than considering specific artistic techniques as your argument, consider the overall image designed to present the novel and further this argument through an artistic analysis, as you find necessary. How has Atwood utilized such a simple work of art as means of displaying the societal corruption and regulations criticized within the novel's exposition? Additionally, to strengthen your arguments, you might want to consider searching for other covers of the novel and explaining how those images convey similar ideas.

Finally, I think we should mention and discuss the role of retrospect within the development of the story's beginning. As she reflects upon her past life, the narrator seems to develop a longing for minor and major aspects of the previous world - ranging from a possible long lost love with Luke to the simple joys extended through a visit to the laundromat. How do you think the temporal punctuation - staggering the current reality with past moments of regret and desire - help to develop the exposition of the novel?

Ultimately, what are your thoughts regarding the beginning of the novel?

Reading Schedule

3/27 - 3/30: Chapters 1 though 5
3/30 - 4/6: Chapters 6 through 17
4/7 - 4/13: Chapters 18 through 24
4/14 - 4/20: Chapters 25 through 31
4/21 - 4/27: Chapters 32 through 39
4/28 - 5/4: Chapters 40 through 46 (end)