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The Handmaid's Tale Freedom

Decent Essays

There is a distinct difference between the phrases freedom to and freedom from. Freedom to, can be seen as the ability to control what you want to do when it comes to your decisions and mindset. Freedom from, can be seen as the ability to also do what you want to do, but with regulations and rules to set you on a certain path to ensure that you are not going to disrupt the well-being of others. In relation to the novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, the same ideology can be viewed a number of times. A character named Aunt Lydia, states that “In the days of anarchy, it was freedom to. Now you are being given freedom from…”(Atwood 24). It is understandable what she is trying to claim in that if a person is given too much freedom, then anarchy will undoubtedly follow. If there are no rules and regulations, or a sense of authority, then it is difficult to control the people. From this quote it is probable that before …show more content…

In Chapter 5, Offred and Ofglen, 2 Handmaids, can be seen leaving the residence to go shopping. Despite the fact that it is unknown where males are or their state in this society, aside from the guards, Handmaids appear to be the only normal people who can live considerably comfortable, even though they are greatly objectified. Handmaids are guarded whenever they leave the residence and are provided their necessities. Offred has multiple instances where she reminisces about her time with Luke and her daughter, but does not seem to be too emotional about it. It appears as though she remembers the feelings she had, but due to something these emotional feelings have been greatly suppressed. The Aunts in the novel are present to instill the ideals of their society to the Handmaids constantly. The Handmaid’s freedom of thinking of what is considered right and wrong immorally is greatly disturbed by the

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