The Symbolism of The Wall in The Handmaid's Tale

One of the most prominent and impactful symbols in Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel, The Handmaid's Tale, is the wall that surrounds the society of Gilead. The wall serves as a physical barrier between the citizens of Gilead and the outside world, but it also represents the oppressive and restrictive nature of the regime. Through the wall, Atwood conveys themes of control, isolation, and surveillance, highlighting the ways in which totalitarian governments seek to exert power over their citizens.

At the most basic level, the wall in The Handmaid's Tale functions as a boundary that separates the citizens of Gilead from the rest of the world. This physical barrier serves to isolate the inhabitants of Gilead, cutting them off from the outside influences that might challenge or disrupt the regime's control. The wall reinforces the idea that the citizens of Gilead are prisoners in their own society, unable to escape or break free from the oppressive regime that governs their lives.

Furthermore, the wall in The Handmaid's Tale serves as a symbol of the regime's desire to control and surveil its citizens. The presence of the wall suggests that the government is constantly watching and monitoring its inhabitants, ensuring that they comply with the strict rules and regulations imposed by the regime. The wall becomes a physical manifestation of the surveillance state that exists in Gilead, reminding the citizens that they are always being watched and that any deviation from the prescribed norms will not be tolerated.

In addition to its role as a symbol of control and surveillance, the wall in The Handmaid's Tale also represents the isolation and alienation experienced by the citizens of Gilead. The wall serves to cut off the inhabitants of Gilead from the outside world, creating a sense of separation and disconnection from the rest of society. This isolation reinforces the idea that the citizens of Gilead are alone in their struggle against the oppressive regime, unable to rely on external support or solidarity in their fight for freedom.

Overall, the wall in The Handmaid's Tale is a powerful symbol that conveys the themes of control, isolation, and surveillance that permeate the society of Gilead. Through the wall, Atwood highlights the ways in which totalitarian governments seek to exert power over their citizens, using physical barriers to isolate, surveil, and control the population. The wall serves as a stark reminder of the oppressive nature of the regime in Gilead, and the challenges faced by those who seek to resist and overthrow it.