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Winston writes this in his diary at the start of the novel, it is his first act of treason against the "party". It is illegal as there is a restriction of literature in Oceania and it is forbidden to take part in any written discourse.
It prevents ordinary citizens from articulating their thoughts and expressing themselves, as it could potentially inspire individuals to rebel, as we could see through Winston who obtained a sort of thrill from rebelling.
Rebel, collude, oppose, dismantle, alter, evident, doctrine, indoctrinated, obedient, easy to control, abhorrence, active and passive rebellion, power, authority. self-servingly, gravitate, tragic demise, collective identity, satisfies the readers, feminists.
This is an event that occurred in 1933 whilst Hitler was Chancellor of Germany, they burnt any literature that they felt was "underman", as a means to eliminate any opposition and limite the volume of information consumed by individuals. It would limit their intelligence on what was really taking place, whilst influencing their views, thoughts and opinions through propaganda. Which would indoctrinate them and prevent a rebellion.
Link this to the limiting of literature in both the handmaid's tale and 1984.
The party controls biblical texts, using the christian bible to fit their ideologies.
As shown through the way that the Handmaid's address one another.
Throughout the novel Offred greets the other handmaid's with the phrases, "blessed be the meek", "may the lord open" and "under his eye".
Corruption as the state have rewritten many biblical references and scriptures.
"Blessed be the meek" "May the lord open" "Under his eye"
Common greetings between the handmaid's that is in reference to the fruitfulness of the handmaid's and an increase in their fertility.
Encouraging the handmaid's to procreate through the use of propaganda.
They also legitimise the oppression of the handmaid's through integrating religion into their ethos, doctrine and propaganda. Ronald Reagan and his use of evangelism, the union between the far-right politics and religious fundamentalists, Why did Reagan use evangelism? A dangerous union, "Televangelism" christian propaganda, communicate christianity through the use of the media, Ronald Reagan was able to become popular through the use of religion.
The commanders are eager to proclaim the gospel and its ideals, yet sexually abuse the handmaid's in a periodical ritual, which is immoral and abusive without hesitation.
It is a defenceless portrayal of the handmaid's as there is nothing that they can do to prevent the molestation from taking place, they are the victims of oppression, physical and psychological.
Actively rebelling against the party, as demonstrated through Winston, Julia and Moira.
Winston tests their willingness, power and authority.
Colonies in the handmaid's tale
Oceania is heavily polluted and there is a strong use of technology.
The handmaid's must walk in pairs when outside of their commanders homes.
'Telescreens in Oceania'
Spies- feeds into the fear of spies during the Cold War, as presented through O'Brien who works as duplicitous spy for Big brother.
"Brotherhood" "Anti-sex league"
O'Brien is informing Winston that ultimately rebellion is futile as it is a necessary evil that the state has to face, in order to function and progress.
Whilst, also suggesting that it is a common proactive for O'Brien to pose as a member of the "Brotherhood", in order to lure and capture rebels.
At the end of the novel Winston becomes a culpable character, deserving all blame for the failed resistance, as he betrays society and most importantly Julia.
In forfeiting his once greatest ally that was projected to do a lot for the rebellious movement.
Oppositional to the conventional image of women set during the early 20th century of feeble and weak, as she rebels against the regime.
She has a cunningness that Winston unfortunately lacks, as she is more calculative and realistic about her aims to rebel against the party; unlike the emotionally driven Winston.
O'Brien disguises himself as a member of the "brotherhood", whilst he is prominent member of the "Inner party".
He associates himself with the rebellious circle.
O'Brien sympathises with those that collude with the Brotherhood.
Julia disguises her hatred for the party through putting on a facade in doing "voluntery work three evenings a week for the junior anti-sex league".
Although she is not a believer in any way of their ideals and values, she uses it as a disguise to mask her true hatred for the party and the activist work she is doing in hopes that it will be toppled.
Offred appears to be quite content with simply fending for herself and securing her own survival or escape, as opposed to actively rebelling against the party in order to secure the freedom of her fellow women.
Even when she does rebel against the state, it is self-servingly such as when she "slept with nick"- or "playing chess with the commander".
She is described by Offred to be "determined" and far "more logical" than any of the other handmaid's.
A glimpse of deliberate and successful rebellion is presented through Moira who manages to escape from the 'Red center'. Not only does her escape prove to be momentous but it is the manner in which she does so that is impressive- taking off her uniform to liberate her body from the constraints that were forced upon her, whilst also disguising herself in the uniform of an Aunt.
Moira symbolises the rejection of the collective identity, oppression as well as the refusal to accept the definition given to her body and identity by the state.
Atwood provides a bold and optimistic view of women through Moira.
Atwood provides both a critical yet optimistic view of women which is quite interesting as she once said that, "what is actually detrimental to women is to take the stand that they're angels of perfection".
She showcased their imperfect and idealistic side.
