Explore Atwood’s presentation of female resistance in the novel?

Introduction:

In The handmaids tale, Atwood displays a wide spectrum of women in opposition to the Gileadean regime. She illustrates diverse forms of resistance through women such as Offred, Ofglen, Moira, and Offred’s mother - these range from covert acts of defiance to protest. By doing this, she alerts the reader of passiveness whilst illustrating the potential and limitations of opposing an oppressive system.

paragraph 1 (Offred):

Offred is portrayed by Atwood as a figure of quiet resistance who endures via storytelling and memory. Although she seems submissive and compliant at first glance, her rebellion is demonstrated by her refusal to allow Gilead to destroy her sense of self identity; she clings to her past life before the regime, her true name, and her memories of Luke and her daughter. Because Gilead relies on manipulating and rewriting history, this act of remembering has great power. Since she constructs her own truth rather than embracing the propaganda of the state, even telling her narrative is a form of resistance. Atwood uses Offred to show memory and survival as subtly significant elements of resistance.

paragraph 2 (Ofglen):

Ofglen is presented as an example of active resistance, openly resisting the regime through her active participation in the Mayday. By introducing Offred to the resistance network, she demonstrates the continued rebellion against the Gilead regime. Her courage contrasts with Offreds hesitation, revealing the different forms of resistance in the novel. The ultimate act of resistance is Ofglen’s suicide following the Particicution, in which she denies Gilead the control over her death. Ofglen is used by Atwood to highlight the courage and price of active disobedience under a system that severely punishes opposition.

Paragraph 3 (Moira):

Moira is portrayed as a symbol of fearless, outspoken resistance whose courage serves as an example to the other handmaids’. From the start, she taunts and mocks authority, never hiding her defiance. She escapes twice from the Red Centre making her a figure of potential for hope and inspiring Offred and the others to rebel against the regime. However, Ofglen’s ultimate downfall and employment at Jezebel’s serves as a tragic reality check, as it reveals that even the most rebellious and determined individuals can eventually be stripped of their individual will by the regime.

Paragraph 4 (Offred’s mother):

Offred’s mother is presented as a symbol of pre-Gilead feminist resistance, whose activism highlights the importance of early defiance. She was labeled an "Unwoman" and exiled to the Colonies as a result of her active participation in protests, burning of pornography, and advocacy for women's rights. We learn that Offred and her mother had a tense relationship in the past due to her feeling as if her mother was using her to validate her life and follow her steps, often feeling embarrassed. Offred, however, looks back on her mothers choices with respect and serves as a strong courage following the ascend of the regime. Atwood highlights the need of early resistance before oppression becomes irreversible by drawing a comparison between Offred's quiet resistance and her mother's loud opposition.