Review Of Yuval Noah Harari’s Book “Homo Deus: A Brief History Of Tomorrow”

Female Solidarity – The Rewards and Risks of Gilead

In Gilead there is a lot of division between women in Gilead. This includes their relationships with each other, their roles as wives and handmaids. Atwood highlights the importance in The Handmaid’s Tale of the female solidarity by examining their relationships. Offred is particularly vulnerable to the risks of friendships. She must find a balance between her submissive persona and her feelings about her past, her hope and her rebellious spirit. Offred’s relationship with Moira is vital to her development and how she interacts with the world.

Moira’s influence was powerful in Offred’s early experiences as an Handmaid. Moira’s resourcefulness and resilience motivated her to join the women in communicating secretly. She did not succumb to Gilead’s indoctrination but instead helped Offred and other women to quietly resist. Her eventual disappearance was significant to them. She would be the martyr if she was able to escape. Offred’s ‘idol,’ in a sense, was broken when she discovered her fate. She still held on to the lessons taught by her friend and refused to let them go.

Ofglen’s friendship with Offred and her inclusion in Mayday changed her life later on as a Handmaid. Offred’s freedom hopes were made real by Mayday and Ofglen. She also reintroduced “we” as an alternative to “I”, giving Offred a chance at relief, safety, trust and security – even if it was hard earned. Offred’s relationship with them was more important in her day-to-day. Since they could not speak to anyone else, they became one another’s confidants and news sources, but they also trusted eachother. When Offred is on the verge of being rescued, most likely by Mayday’s help, the importance their friendship is brought to light. Ofglen’s underground group that she joined saved her, if only for a short time.

Serena Joy’s influence on Offred was unique. Serena Joy, despite their awkward relationship, went above and beyond her role to help Offred. She was not being kind, but she did offer a way to survive for her Handmaid. This would have been detrimental to Serena. Serena did not act in a way that would have benefited her or made her appear to be a nice person. She was just being kind. Serena is not the first woman to show solidarity with Offred, but she was the only one who did so. Serena’s choices were positive in that they helped Offred start a new life chapter, and formed a bond with Nick. Their world is filled with kindness.

The choice that Handmaids make about who they trust ultimately determines the quality of their lives and how long they live. Offred, in particular, grew to love and trust the women she was around, which gave her more hope, as well as more motivation to fight the system. Without her ability to connect with others, she might have had more emotional turmoil or even a ticket back to the Colonies. They had to stand together because no one was supporting them. Even if that meant they could be sentenced to death, it was the only way.