Church v. Gilead

The novel “The Handmaid’s Tale,” authored by Margaret Atwood, is a masterful work that adeptly explores the intricacies of our society’s treatment of women. Set in the fictitious yet thought-provoking society of Gilead, the novel delves into a world where both women and men face oppression. This dystopian society grapples with dwindling birth rates, prompting women to assume the role of mere childbearing machines, compelled to harness their reproductive capacities. While such a scenario might be somewhat comprehensible given the perilously declining population, the presence of religious overtones within the Gilead community complicates the legitimacy of their circumstances.

For instance, Gilead’s foundation heavily relies on religion, though the novel doesn’t explicitly specify the faith they follow. It is implied that their belief system is likely rooted in Christianity or Catholicism, as evidenced by their reverence for the Bible. In chapter 15, on page 87, there is a scene where handmaids and Marthas assemble in the living room, listening to the Commander reading a verse from the Bible. The passage describes the Commander’s ritual: “He crosses to the large leather chair reserved for him, takes the key out of his pocket, fumbles with the ornate brass-bound leather-covered box that stands on the table beside the chair. He inserts the key, opens the box, lifts out the Bible, an ordinary copy, with a black cover and gold-edged pages. The Bible is kept locked up, the way people once kept tea locked up, so the servants wouldn’t steal it.” This act of safeguarding the Bible implies a constant and forceful imposition of Christianity or Catholicism, which may be causing irritation and sparking a sense of resentment among the individuals in Gilead.

Yet another compelling illustration of the ceaseless psychological conditioning within Gilead is found in Chapter 15, specifically on pages 88-89. In this pivotal scene, Aunt Lydia addresses a gathering of young women, comprising both the diligent Marthas and the subjugated Handmaids, with the intention of conveying the idea that they should consider themselves remarkably privileged and fortunate. Despite her attempts to emphasize their good fortune, it is abundantly clear that, from the perspective of these women, they do not perceive themselves as beneficiaries of such privileges. In stark contrast, they feel imprisoned, cruelly isolated from the world beyond the confines of Gilead. Aunt Lydia’s discourse unfolds against the backdrop of a surreal breakfast scene, during which the women are gathered, partaking in a meager meal of porridge adorned with cream and brown sugar.

As she addresses them, she endeavors to underscore the notion that they are receiving the very best within the constraints of the tumultuous world outside. She reminds them, “We had it read to us every breakfast, as we sat in the high school cafeteria, eating porridge with cream and brown sugar. You’re getting the best you know, said Aunt Lydia. There’s a war on, things are rationed. You are spoiled girls, she twinkled…” Aunt Lydia’s words, delivered with an air of sardonic humor, shed light on the stark contrast between the dismal reality the women face and the distorted perception that Gilead’s regime aims to instill in them. In this poignant moment, it becomes evident that the propaganda and the stringent religious doctrine imposed upon the residents of Gilead serve not only to manipulate their beliefs but also to warp their sense of reality. This passage, therefore, serves as a stark reminder of the power of propaganda and the extent to which authoritarian regimes can manipulate the perceptions and understanding of their subjects.

While reading “The Handmaid’s Tale,” I frequently found myself drawing parallels to real-world occurrences. One striking resemblance is the principle of the separation of church and state, a fundamental concept in the United States, which emanated from the landmark Supreme Court case of Everson v. Board of Education. This principle, often referred to as “church vs. state,” posits that religious institutions and the government must remain distinct and separate entities. It maintains that no official religion should be established within a state, as such an establishment would contravene the core principles enshrined in the Constitution.

This connection serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” highlighting the enduring significance of the themes it explores. Margaret Atwood’s dystopian narrative not only serves as a chilling work of fiction but also as a cautionary tale, urging us to remain vigilant in safeguarding the principles of democracy and the separation of church and state, which are the cornerstones of modern society. In an age where the blurring of these lines can lead to profound consequences, “The Handmaid’s Tale” continues to resonate as a powerful commentary on the fragility of such foundations in the face of authoritarianism and the erosion of individual liberties.