Handmaids Tale Lit Log Play list

Violent Crimes -Kanye West In this beautiful song, Kanye reflects on his (learned) attitude toward women throughout his life. He admits with disgust to his past life of misogyny and objectification toward females and refuses to allow his daughter to experience the same. He raps about the birth of his daughter bringing him to the realization of his wrong doings, and how becoming a father taught him to value women as complete people who can think and make decisions for themselves; not objects for him and other men to use for their misogynistic pleasure. He wants to protect her from this male dominated world. His remorse is expressed specifically in this line, ‘Father forgive me, I’m scared of the karma. ‘Cause now I see women as somethin’ to nurture Not somethin’ to conquer.’ Also, I think Kanye realizes that women’s rights are volatile, and are currently being stripped away bit by bit by our government and judicial system. This song demonstrates his willingness to fight for the deserved rights of his daughter and all females.

I think Margaret Atwood has told a story that’s parallel to Kanye’s journey.

In the society of Gilead, women were very much controlled to meet the needs of men. Unwomen are the lowest class, they are women who cannot have children and therefore have no value. Females could easily be classified as Unwomen at the whim of any man. The text states, “He could fake the tests, report me for cancer, for infertility, have me shipped off to the Colonies, with the Unwomen.” Because women in Gilead are only valued for their ability to have children, those who cannot are not even considered women.

There’s something deeper Atwood is trying to say that Kanye is as well.

Throughout the story we learn that Gilead hasn’t existed for very long. Offred leads a full life in regular day America and can clearly remember times before Gilead. A time where women fought for rights that they thought they deserved. That means society made this shift into handmaids and Gilead only a few years before, at most. It’s hard to believe that centuries of suffragette work could be undone in only a few years; but that is exactly Atwoods point. She’s reminding us just how quickly society can regress, reminding us how volatile and in danger our present day civil rights are.

Kanye is doing the same. He’s telling us how quickly his entire world view changed just because of one event. The birth of his child. Handmaids in Gilead exist because of how rare fertility is. While the birth of Kanye’s Daughter made him see women as complete people, the lack of childbirth in America turned society’s view of women into only objects for birthing children, and so Gilead was born. The stories are two sides of the same coin.

You must Love me - Jay Z In this song, Jay Z raps about his real life experiences of being a kid, shooting his brother over jewelry. He raps, “But the adrenaline and my ego hurt combined Drove me berserk, saw the devil in your eyes High off more than weed Confused, I just closed my young eyes and squeezed What a sound, opened my eyes just in time To see you stumbling to the ground Damn what the fuck I done now? Runnin’ around in a circle thinking I’m assed out Hot gun burnin’ my waist, ran straight to Jaz’ house” Jay Z then raps about his brother immediately forgiving him and specifically asking to see him in the hospital just a day later. He raps, “Left the scene how could I go out that way Still you asked to see me in the hospital the next day You must love me”

This reminds me of the theme of sorority in the Handmaid’s tale. Specifically, Offfred’s interactions with Janine. During the testifying ceremony, Janine shares her experience of being gang raped as a child with the other handmaids. In response they shame her and claim that she brought it upon herself. On page 72, the text states, “It’s Janine, telling about how she was gang-raped at fourteen and had an abortion… But whose fault was it? Aunt Helena says, holding up one finger. Her fault, her fault, her fault, we all chant in unison. Who led them on? Aunt Helena beams, pleased with us. She did. She did. She did.”

Offfred and the other handmaidens in this scene represent Jay Z, attacking, wounding and betraying their sister. But just like Jay Z’s brother, Janine forgives them and they unify in the hospital while helping with the birth of Janine’s child. One page 127, the text states, “We stand between Janine and the bed, so she won’t have to see this. Someone gives her a drink of grape juice. I hope there’s wine in it, she’s still having the pains, for the afterbirth, she’s crying helplessly, burnt out miserable tears. Nevertheless we are jubilant, it’s a victory for all of us. We’ve done it. In both stories, the parties wrong doings are forgiven , because it’s brotherhood/sisterhood that keeps them together.

The Revolution will not be Televised - Gil Scott Heron When I think of Moira, I think of this song. Well, it’s less of a song and more of a call to action, Gil Scott Heron uses his platform to persuade those standing on the sideline to join the civil rights movement and fight against oppression.

Before Gilead, Moira was a vocal feminist, fighting for the downfall of American society’s misogyny. After Moira escapes the camps, Offered reflects on her feelings toward her. On page 133, the text states, “Moira was like an elevator with open sides. She made us dizzy. Already we were losing the taste for freedom, already we were finding these walls secure. In the upper reaches of the atmosphere you’d come apart, you’d vaporize, there would be no pressure holding you together. Nevertheless Moira was our fantasy.” Just like Heron, Moira is a symbol proving you can fight against your oppressors, and just like Heron, Moira makes the HandMaids content with their position feel uncomfortable.

Feel it in the Air - Beanie Sigel Beanie Sigel raps about his paranoia and the guard he keeps up while moving in the street. He describes it as a kind of spidey sense that keeps him out of danger. He raps,”Somethin’ going on, I feel funny Can’t tell me nothin’ different, my nose twitchin’ intuition setting in like Steve vision I still close my eyes, I still see visions Still hear that voice in the back of my mind So what I do? I still take heed, I still listen…I read between the lines of the eyes and your brows Your handshake ain’t matching your smile, aha, you niggas foul (I can feel it in the air)” This song reminds me of Offred’s mistrust. Throughout her narration she talks about seeing through people’s true intentions. For example on page 136 the text states, “ But there must be something he wants, from me. To want is to have a weakness. It’s this weakness, whatever it is, that entices me. It’s like a small crack in a wall, before now impenetrable. If I press my eye to it, this weakness of his, I may be able to see my way clear. I want to know what he wants.” Just like Beanie Sigel, Offfred knows that people usually aren’t what they seem.

Fake Love - Drake Drake sings about the fake love people show him because of his fame and power. This reminds me of the way Offred acts toward the commander, on page 140, the text states”I go to him and play my lips close, against his… He draws away and looks down at me. There’s the smile again, the sheepish one. Such candor. Not like that, he says. As if you meant it.” The Commander recognizes that Offfred doen’t truly care about him, and only kisses him because of the power he holds over her.