The Handmaid's Tale. Chapter 10 - Textual Analysis.

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English Literature.

The Handmaid's Tale. Chapter 10- Textual Analysis.

Atwood begins by establishing a dismal atmosphere, '...something lugubrious, mournful, presbyterian'. Offred explains that the Gileadian regime has outlawed any form of contact with music; singing or listening to. The totalitarian regime sees music as a threat to its existence, '...especially the ones that use words like free. They are considered too dangerous.' Music has immense power; the messages behind the music being of great strength. Gilead has not only outlawed songs about freedom but also songs about love; 'I feel so lonely, baby. I feel so lonely I could die. This too is outlawed'. In prohibiting music, Gilead in essence, has banned feelings of love, compassion and desire, companionship and celebration. Gilead exists to rid the world, or its society at the very least, of such feelings. However, music proves to be much more powerful as, like the narrator, not all abide by the laws set down by the legislators.

Evidence is given to show that there is resistance to this regime, minute may be, but resistance nonetheless. 'Such songs are not sung anymore in public...' suggest that they are sung in private. However, interestingly enough,