Quote-
Throughout The Handmaid's Tale there is always some hope for Offred to maybe one day be free. Her friend, Moira, acts as an inspiration to Offred, because she does what she wants and she is not afraid of the consequences. She is an independent, strong person, who really does give Offred the impression that she is a women who is determined and does not quit. This really is the only encouragement that Offred has to go on for, a good part of the book. However at a surprising turn of events, Moira can not take anymore, and that is why I chose this specific passage, "So here I am. They even give you face cream. You should figure out some way of getting in here. You'd have three or four good years before your snatch wears out and they send you to the bone yard. The food's not bad and there's drink and drugs, if you want it, and we only work nights."
"Moira," I say. "You don't mean that." She is frightening me now, because what I hear in her voice is indifference, a lack of volition. Have they really done it to her then, taken away something- what? - that used to be so central to her? And how can I expect her to go on, with my ideas of her courage, live it through, act it out, when I myself do not?
This passage, just shows how much Offred had invested in Moira and her strength of character. That was very important to Offred and it gave not only Offred hope, but the readers hope, that Offred might be able to be like Moira and take things into her own hands. However, this passage really changes the mood of the book after that point because it seems as though there is no way out and Offred will be a Handmaid forever. This just made everything different and if Moira someone with great spirit and fight, could not break through the barriers of Gilead, then could anyone? Also it seems to affect Offred in a really negative way, because she feels that she can not be disappointed in Moira, when she has not done anything that comes close to that.
This passage is also very important because it shows just how harsh the Republic of Gilead is, and how hard it is to escape. Moira signifies a person who fights and does not give up, however even this society with all its rules and regulations is able to break her down. It just shows the difficulty of this place and the government that is heading it, they must see the suffering they are putting all these people through, yet they still do it. Their daily struggles from day to day, are direct results of the choices the government has made to help the birth rate, however ruin their lives in the process.
My Opinion-
I found The Handmaid's Tale hard to follow sometimes and it definitely was not a fast read. I do not really like the overall mood throughout the book, because it is very depressing. Offred is happy by the simplest things, because it is so hard to see the good in this strict society. Religion plays a huge role in this book and many different religions are hinted at and maybe criticised by the author. The government really is harsh in what these people can and can not do. I hate how the women are not allowed to read, and they take many of their privileges away. Even though this society is supposed to protect women from being raped or just violence in general, it is definitely not better than their lives were before Gilead. Offred was truly happy with her family before this, and know she is depressed and so very lonely. The government no doubt made it worse for almost everyone, including men, because they took away the many freedoms that they once had. Offred remembers her life before and longs to go back to her husband and daughter, however she knows that that is nearly impossible. I just hate that this book does not give Offred the chance to take a stand and do what she wants to, and try and escape. I expected her to step up and at least attempt some kind of rebellion against Gilead, and set an example for others to do the same. But that never happens.
One thing I did like was the ending because at least it did end with a little bit of hope. Even though it is unlikely she was saved, at least it is not a definite that she failed to be. It does give that last glimmer of hope, and lets the reader decide for themselves what to believe.
Theme/Symbols/Etc.
The Eyes show that they represent the highest power possible, being named the Eyes of God. They give that sense of no matter what you do, somehow you will be found out eventually. The government has Eyes everywhere and Offred and some others are afraid of doing anything wrong in case they are being watched. Also, she can not really trust anyone, because who knows who is watching and against her. The Eyes just make all the people of this place, haunted by the fact that if they slip up or say something offensive, someone will probably find out. It gives the reader the impression that there are people lurking behind every street corner, just waiting for someone to mess up. It is not a healthy way to run a society, scaring the people into obeying, and killing them for the most absurd things. They Eyes just represent too much power, however there is nothing that can be done to stop it.
A theme throughout this book is that this place of Gilead is for the protection of women. They are concerned with them getting raped, or being exploited inappropriately, and they are in need of protection. However, the irony in this is that, Offred is almost forced to have sex with the Commander when they go to the club and it borders on rape. As does that entire place that they go to, and it shows the same things are happening however it is a secret now. It is even worse because their is no more passion or romance to this society anymore, just women being used. It is terrible what they have to live through and it is ridiculous that anyone could think that this place is better for women.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Fahrenheit 451
Favorite Quote-
In Fahrenheit 451 one of the very important characters is Beatty, Montag's chief, who plays a huge role in Montag's realization. Beatty is a man who seems very serious about his work, he doesn't mess around when it comes to burning books. He conforms to the societies expectation of him, and he never seems to sway. However, Beatty realizes that Montag is tempted to find out what has been hidden in the pages of those books which he has turned to ashes so many times. As the book goes further it is very clear that Beatty has read books and he is a very intelligent, man who knows what books have held deep within their pages. It almost seems that he can relate with Montag in a sense, however he doesn't have the courage to admit it.
He is afraid to be different and to rebel, but he understands that Montag is rebelling even if he doesn't make it very clear. "It was pretty silly, quoting poetry around free and easy like that. It was the act of a silly damn snob. Give a man a few lines of a verse and he thinks he's the Lord of all Creation. You think you can walk on water with your books. Well, the world can get by just fine without them. Look where they got you, in slime up to your lip," (pg 118) this quote really shows Beatty's true feelings. Another quote (pg 119) "Well, that's one way to get an audience. Hold a gun on a man and force him to listen to your speech. Speech away. What'll it be this time? Why don't you belch Shakespeare at me, you fumbling snob? There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats, for I am arm'd so strong in honesty that they pass me as an idle wind, which I respect not! How's that? Go ahead now, you second-hand litterateur, pull the trigger." These lines show that Beatty definitely has read books, however his stubbornness takes over and refuses to admit their worth. It seems as though he just says what he is supposed to, but who knows if he believes it himself?
I picked these quotes because they are part of the climax scene and really shapes what happens next. It shows Beatty's unwillingness to go against society, and it is where Montag decides who he wants to be. It is such a pivotal moment, because after Montag murders Beatty, he has picked his side, and he is finally rebelling for all to see. He did what Beatty, if he wanted to, could not, and that was to go by what he wanted and not what others wanted of him. It also surprises me because Beatty does not even try and fight Montag, and he smiles right before he is burnt. It just seems that he either did not think Montag had it in him, or he really did not care if he died. This part is Montag's rebellion, and him finally making a choice and picking a side.
This part is just so intense, and was very shocking to anyone who probably read it. Montag had been bordering a true rebellion against his society, or just going back to being shut out from the world. He makes a very hard desicion when he chooses to kill Beatty, and he knows that after it was done, there was no going back. Montag finally made up his mind, because he wanted more.
Theme/Symbol/Etc.-
In the beginning of Fahrenheit 451, I think that Clarisse symbolizes Montag's "awakening" in a sense. She shows him that there is more to the world, more meaning, and more importance. Montag has been living life, with his eyes closed and I think that Clarisse definitely opened them for him. He is so much more open and aware of things around him, and can appreciate even the smallest things. She acts as the seemingly insignificant character, who turns out to be a huge influence on Montag and him finding the meaning of life. Even though, Clarisse was not in a large part of the book, she is the one who set the way for Montag to change. She was his guide to seeing the simple things in life, and yet she showed him what beauty they had.
I think that Mildred represents a huge obstacle, Montag had to overcome. She is constantly pulling him down, and he struggles to break free of her grasp. She just is stuck in one place, and one mind set, and he needs to move on. Mildred is quicksand to Montag and if he had stayed with her any longer, she would have pulled him down with her.
The overall theme throughout this book is not to conform to what society wants of you, if you do not agree with it. It is saying that it is possible to be who you want, however it may be a struggle along the way. The biggest part is realizing your mistakes and fixing them, to do what is right. It just shows that it is alright to be different and that no matter what, you will never be alone in your actions or opinions.
The books and Montag reading them, symbolizes his rebellion and what shows him that there is more to life. They ignite his rebellious nature and his actions throughout the entire book.
My Opinion-
I really enjoyed this book, it may have started out slow, but it definitely picked up after the first 20 pages. I thought it was very well written and I found myself getting invested in what was going to happen to Montag. He goes through many phases throughout this book and the change within him is very drastic. He becomes a very different, better person. There was no life to him at the beginning of this book and slowly with the help of Clarisse and Faber, he was able to see that their was more meaning to life and he could appreciate it. Montag went against everything that he was supposed to abide by in his society, and I think he was very brave in doing so. He could not know what would happen to him, however his determination, and curiosity helped him to take that step.
Even the technology is very interesting, with the jets and the mechanical hound, it is no doubt intriguing. The interactive walls, I feel are kind of unnecessary, and I really do not see the significance of the walls. However, I do like the uniqueness of this book because it is unlike anything I have ever read before. However, the technology was negative also, being very destructive, and killing so many, for no reason what so ever.
The burning of the books seems so strange to me, and in the beginning I really didn't understand the point of it. However, these people are so brainwashed that they think knowledge is a terrible thing and that books are to be burned not read. I think that most of the city doesn't know what to do, so they just go along with it to stay out of trouble. They really don't think for themselves and that is the bad part about this book, because the people are so empty. The ending of the book is good because it shows a new beginning and that slowly these men can convince others to listen to them. It is a fresh start and that was what Montag desperately needed, and now people can start changing. This book is a journey, a slow one, however one that will have huge results if everyone just listens. I really do like the ending because that is exactly what was needed, even though so many had to suffer for it.
In Fahrenheit 451 one of the very important characters is Beatty, Montag's chief, who plays a huge role in Montag's realization. Beatty is a man who seems very serious about his work, he doesn't mess around when it comes to burning books. He conforms to the societies expectation of him, and he never seems to sway. However, Beatty realizes that Montag is tempted to find out what has been hidden in the pages of those books which he has turned to ashes so many times. As the book goes further it is very clear that Beatty has read books and he is a very intelligent, man who knows what books have held deep within their pages. It almost seems that he can relate with Montag in a sense, however he doesn't have the courage to admit it.
He is afraid to be different and to rebel, but he understands that Montag is rebelling even if he doesn't make it very clear. "It was pretty silly, quoting poetry around free and easy like that. It was the act of a silly damn snob. Give a man a few lines of a verse and he thinks he's the Lord of all Creation. You think you can walk on water with your books. Well, the world can get by just fine without them. Look where they got you, in slime up to your lip," (pg 118) this quote really shows Beatty's true feelings. Another quote (pg 119) "Well, that's one way to get an audience. Hold a gun on a man and force him to listen to your speech. Speech away. What'll it be this time? Why don't you belch Shakespeare at me, you fumbling snob? There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats, for I am arm'd so strong in honesty that they pass me as an idle wind, which I respect not! How's that? Go ahead now, you second-hand litterateur, pull the trigger." These lines show that Beatty definitely has read books, however his stubbornness takes over and refuses to admit their worth. It seems as though he just says what he is supposed to, but who knows if he believes it himself?
I picked these quotes because they are part of the climax scene and really shapes what happens next. It shows Beatty's unwillingness to go against society, and it is where Montag decides who he wants to be. It is such a pivotal moment, because after Montag murders Beatty, he has picked his side, and he is finally rebelling for all to see. He did what Beatty, if he wanted to, could not, and that was to go by what he wanted and not what others wanted of him. It also surprises me because Beatty does not even try and fight Montag, and he smiles right before he is burnt. It just seems that he either did not think Montag had it in him, or he really did not care if he died. This part is Montag's rebellion, and him finally making a choice and picking a side.
This part is just so intense, and was very shocking to anyone who probably read it. Montag had been bordering a true rebellion against his society, or just going back to being shut out from the world. He makes a very hard desicion when he chooses to kill Beatty, and he knows that after it was done, there was no going back. Montag finally made up his mind, because he wanted more.
Theme/Symbol/Etc.-
In the beginning of Fahrenheit 451, I think that Clarisse symbolizes Montag's "awakening" in a sense. She shows him that there is more to the world, more meaning, and more importance. Montag has been living life, with his eyes closed and I think that Clarisse definitely opened them for him. He is so much more open and aware of things around him, and can appreciate even the smallest things. She acts as the seemingly insignificant character, who turns out to be a huge influence on Montag and him finding the meaning of life. Even though, Clarisse was not in a large part of the book, she is the one who set the way for Montag to change. She was his guide to seeing the simple things in life, and yet she showed him what beauty they had.
I think that Mildred represents a huge obstacle, Montag had to overcome. She is constantly pulling him down, and he struggles to break free of her grasp. She just is stuck in one place, and one mind set, and he needs to move on. Mildred is quicksand to Montag and if he had stayed with her any longer, she would have pulled him down with her.
The overall theme throughout this book is not to conform to what society wants of you, if you do not agree with it. It is saying that it is possible to be who you want, however it may be a struggle along the way. The biggest part is realizing your mistakes and fixing them, to do what is right. It just shows that it is alright to be different and that no matter what, you will never be alone in your actions or opinions.
The books and Montag reading them, symbolizes his rebellion and what shows him that there is more to life. They ignite his rebellious nature and his actions throughout the entire book.
My Opinion-
I really enjoyed this book, it may have started out slow, but it definitely picked up after the first 20 pages. I thought it was very well written and I found myself getting invested in what was going to happen to Montag. He goes through many phases throughout this book and the change within him is very drastic. He becomes a very different, better person. There was no life to him at the beginning of this book and slowly with the help of Clarisse and Faber, he was able to see that their was more meaning to life and he could appreciate it. Montag went against everything that he was supposed to abide by in his society, and I think he was very brave in doing so. He could not know what would happen to him, however his determination, and curiosity helped him to take that step.
Even the technology is very interesting, with the jets and the mechanical hound, it is no doubt intriguing. The interactive walls, I feel are kind of unnecessary, and I really do not see the significance of the walls. However, I do like the uniqueness of this book because it is unlike anything I have ever read before. However, the technology was negative also, being very destructive, and killing so many, for no reason what so ever.
The burning of the books seems so strange to me, and in the beginning I really didn't understand the point of it. However, these people are so brainwashed that they think knowledge is a terrible thing and that books are to be burned not read. I think that most of the city doesn't know what to do, so they just go along with it to stay out of trouble. They really don't think for themselves and that is the bad part about this book, because the people are so empty. The ending of the book is good because it shows a new beginning and that slowly these men can convince others to listen to them. It is a fresh start and that was what Montag desperately needed, and now people can start changing. This book is a journey, a slow one, however one that will have huge results if everyone just listens. I really do like the ending because that is exactly what was needed, even though so many had to suffer for it.
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