Platonic

In the Handmaids Tale by Marget Atwood, the idea and symbolism of love is very confusing and thought provoking. It leaves me stuck with the question “What is love in Gilead? And what is love for me?” In many cases I question my self does true love even exist, wheter that is in relationships, friendships, or just day to day encounters. In Gilead the narrator, Offred, emphasizes on love in multiple ways. For example her relationship with Moira portray an idea of love but it is not well said yet because love is virtually non existent in the world of Gilead.

Offred’s relationship with Moira highlights the complexity of love in this world. While it may not be easy to see their relationship expressed as love in the traditional sense, their connection symbolizes a deep bond of trust, friendship, and mutual support. In the world of Gilead where love, especially romantic love , is suppressed and forbidden this sense of connection creates an outlet of how much power love holds in a friendship. For instance, In Chapter 38 , when Offred reunites with Moira, she reaches out to touch her arm with a quivering hand. Her eaction is a testament to the profound impact of a friendship in a world that seeks to forbid such connections. “ I still can’t believe it’s her. I touch her arm again. Then I begin to cry,” Offred admits. Rereading this part of the chapter her tears serves as a unfiltered expression of her love. It was hard for me to realize this at first but after doing a mini-close reading, it undeniably embodies a deep connection between the two women.

Throughout the book, Moira’s connection with Offred serves as a metaphor for female friendship. Gilead does not have the kind of bond that Moira and Offred have from college on. Although Gilead seems to encourage female solidarity, in practice it merely fosters mistrust, animosity, and small-scale brutality. Offred’s constant thoughts of her former buddy help her to escape from her terrible circumstances, as can be seen by looking at her. Offred’s comment, “Moira, breezing into my room,” cp.10 demonstrates this. The verb “breezing” is used. The reader is implied to believe that Offred views Moira as a breath of fresh air when she not only walks into the room but also enters her thoughts, reminding her of a better time spent being away from the brutal truth. This explains their deep connection despite though Margaret Atwood gave them opposing responsibilities in contemporary society, which are evident in Offred’s recollections. Nevertheless, they save one another from trying times and support one another through Gilead culture.

Seeing this relationship with moira and offred, I can’t help but reflect on wheter the love I’ve experienced in my life, wheter in the relationships, or daily interactions is indeed genuine. I can’t help but question how love manifests itself in the world of Gilead and beyond it into the real world. As I continue to pace my way throughout this book , question like this resonate deeply with me. It serves as a sense of self discovery and what defines love in my eyes. WHen I hear the word “Love” I merely think of relationships with significant others, or maybe even witb family member. However Offred’s and Moira’s relationship has shown me that love is beyond what I think it is. I used to search for love in other people trying to build a non existing connection, or something that could never last, not realizing that true love is right in my closest friends. I’m discovering that love is not limited to romantic partners or family, it can manifest in the bonds of trust, mutual support, and friendship that I share with those closet to me. I’m learning to value the deep meaningful connecions. Even the little ones such as the everyday walks to and from the BSL or the long talks on the phone.

Ultimately, this examination of love in “The Handmaid’s Tale” confirms that love is a power that defies boundaries—whether they be those imposed by society or those derived from our own understanding. This book has left me with a profound sense about the nature of love and well-being of others. It encourages me to redefine my understanding of love, and serves as a gentle reminder to treasure and tend to the relationships we have with people, understanding that love—in all of its complex manifestations—is what unites us and keeps us strong even in the face of hardship.