Analysis of symobl in Handmaid's Tale

Throughout Handmaid’s Tale the color red is used as a defining element in the description of Gilead. Therefore I question Atwood’s choice in color.

The first reference to red in the novel comes from the handmaids’ robe color. Not all women in Gilead wear red, only the handmaids. With this, Offred makes reference to the gown as the color of blood. The mention of blood could signify a fertile woman, being that handmaids are the only ones wearing red, and they too are the only ones allowed to dear children.

The color red may also have been chosen as a symbolic color because generally red is associated with love or passion. In the novel, the abundance of red and lack of passion in their society is ironic. Within the society there is no place for love between two individuals, especially the handmaids. During the first mention of the ceremony, Offred something along the lines of there being a certain chilliness in the room. The room, also the bedroom of the Commander, is cold even though what is taking place is supposed to be the passionate display of two people in love. The irony of the passion-filled color red, with the loveless society, show just how reactionary Gilead is.

Red could also be representative of the cruelty included within the book. Offred often mentions red in relation to the color of blood. The parallel of blood and perhaps pain, add to the degradation of women in Offred’s society. Women are not allowed to read, and are hardly given any other rights. The Ceremony itself is not only degrading to the handmaids who are violated in every sense, but also to the wives who must witness the entire thing. This is ironic because the society functions around women primarily, even though they are held in such low regard.

Finally, red can be related to Hawthorne’s Scarlet Letter. Hester Prynne’s sin of adultery, and Offred’s role in the Ceremony are extremely similar, although Offred’s actions are justified by Gilead’s interpretation of the Bible. Also Hester’s shame of being publicly humiliated is similar to Offred’s humiliation. Although she is not the only handmaid she certainly hates the Ceremony, and is shamed by what she does. During the description of the Ceremony she explains closing her eyes so that it might end quicker.

The consistent use of the color red throughout Handmaid’s Tale is significant, and it is intended to bring a further irony to the novel.