In Cormac McCarthy’s novel “The Road,” the landscape is a representation of how grey and unforgiving this world is. Everything from the abandoned structures to the beach shows the hopelessness this world has to offer. I cannot paint everywhere but I painted important places that they have been.

Early in their journey, the two explore a city, almost like a skeleton of its former self. Buildings stand hollow and streets are littered with abandoned cars and the ash of what once was. The city, a symbol of human achievement, now lies in ruins, underscoring the extent of the apocalypse. It’s a place where danger is everywhere, forcing the father and son to be exceedingly cautious. Page 24, “The mummied dead everywhere, the flesh cloven along the bones, the ligaments dried to tug and taunt as wires.” This urban wasteland sets the tone for the hopelessness pervading their world, where survival is a constant battle against the remnants of civilization.

Going on to a more rare find on their journey is a hidden bunker filled with supplies. This place is a temporary haven, page 148, “ How long can we stay here papa? Not long. How long is that? I don’t know maybe one more day. Two. Because it’s dangerous? Yes.” The bunker, stocked with food and amenities, offers a brief glimpse of normalcy and safety. However, the Man and boy know they can’t stay because nothing has security in this world.

A particularly horrifying moment occurs when they discover a house where cannibalism takes place. This house, a grotesque perversion of the concept of ‘home’, represents the depths of depravity humanity has sunk to in the face of extinction. It’s a constant reminder of the pervasive threat other humans pose and the brutal measures taken by some to survive. Pg 110, “ Huddled against the back wall were naked people, male and female, all trying to hide, shielding their faces with their hands. On the mattress lay a man with his legs gone to his hip and the stumps of them blackened and burnt. The smell was hideous.”

Throughout their journey, the father and son encounter remnants of what used to be a functioning society—crumbling roads, collapsed bridges, and abandoned vehicles. This decaying infrastructure serves as a metaphor for the collapse of the societal order and the fragility of human constructs.

The beach, their final destination, stands as a contrast to the bleakness they have traveled. Despite its natural beauty, it’s cold, and windy, and offers no salvation. The beach symbolizes the end of their journey and the realization that there is no promised land in this new world. In “The Road,” these places are not just physical locations but are imbued with symbolic meaning. They reflect the hopelessness of a world, where survival is a daily challenge.

Link to document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f_QnsTdMW8usuHuYN-4aAZfAOUneOxKveav-HMuCPwc/edit?usp=sharing

Track your own intellectual and emotional experience through a close reading of a particular section. You are encouraged to tackle sections that you have found confusing, uncomfortable, or intriguing. You can write this in first person, citing specific examples from this selection as well as other parts of the novel that connect these ideas. Your selected text can be as short as one sentence or paragraph, and should not be from one of the sections we’ve used as an all-class close reading.

Chapter 33 page 217: “I just want to go home, Janine said. She began to cry. Jesus God, Moria said. Thats enough. She’ll be here in one minute, I promise you. So put your goddamn clothes on and shut up. Janine kept whimping but she also stood up and started to dress. She does that agains and i’m not here, Moria said to me, you just have to slap her like that. You cant let her go slipping over the edge. That stuff is catching. She must have already been planning,then, how she was going to get out.”

While reading this whole part of chapter 33, I started to get disturbed towards the end of it. I think I picked this part of the passage becuase it made me feel the most uncomfortable. This really goes into deep of the fear the women in this world must have for the men. Also it reveals a new way of thinking and intereperating the book. How the women have to treat eachother to keep going. To try to keep each other safe. This is just one of many times that you can see this cleary in this part of the book. The part where the author says, “She’ll be here in one minute, I promise you. So put your goddamn clothes on and shut up,” gives a chilling but well advised directivie. Its strict but with purpose. Theres a clear reason why Moria said this. Not to be mean but to help out. Unfortunately, moria lets janine get hit anyway. In this world however the women dont have much say. I also want to focus on how much abuse and tramua you would have to go throughin order to be okay with all the oppresion to your own gender. Towards the end of this, Moria sees it as you didnt do what you should have done now you need to face your consequences. A twisted vision on how women are treated. This makes me also think that maybe a situation or situations like this have happened similar to maria, and that is why she is more okay with it. Moria’s comment, “She does that again, and I’m not here, you just have to slap her like that,” showcases the brutal measures taken to stifle emotions in this dystopian world. Physical violence is employed to suppress any outward signs of sadness, further emphasizing the society’s cruelty and the inescapable sorrow that engulfs its inhabitants.

Even going back a little bit in the paragraph before that made me feel uncomfortable, a feeling that this book has made me feel many times throughout my reading. Page 216 reads, “They wont send you to the infirmary, so dont even think about it. Moria said, They wont mess around with trying to cure you.s They wont even bother to ship you to the colnies.” Moria’s statement, “They won’t send you to the infirmary, so don’t even think about it,” immediately introduces an air of hopelessness. In the world of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the government’s primary concern is maintaining control and enforcing strict gender roles. The welfare of the individual, especially of a Handmaid, is of little consequence. This complete disregard for the physical and emotional well-being of the Handmaids is a source of profound sadness. It reflects a society where suffering is normalized, and the value of human life has been diminished to the point where any attempts at “curing” or helping the afflicted are futile. The amount of human degrading in this part was crazy to me when I first read as well. She says wont even bother shipping you to the colonies like she isnt enough. Moria acts like she is so damage that she isnt even good enough to a place where the dehumane women every single day. A place where the treat women like they are not humans and usual are sent there to die.

Authoritarianism and Totalitarianism:

One of the central themes of “The Handmaid’s Tale” is the omnipresent authoritarianism within the Republic of Gilead, a theocratic regime that governs every aspect of the characters’ lives. In Gilead, individual freedoms are sacrificed at the altar of state control, and citizens are subjected to surveillance, propaganda, and strict social hierarchies. The following quote from the book illustrates the extent of state control:

“Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.”

This Latin phrase, meaning “Don’t let the bastards grind you down,” becomes a powerful mantra for the protagonist, Offred. It encapsulates the spirit of resistance against the oppressive regime’s attempts to break the will of its citizens.

In the 20th century, during the time when the novel was written, the world was experiencing the Cold War, a period marked by the ideological struggle between democracy and authoritarianism. The Soviet Union, with its centralized control, suppression of dissent, and state-controlled media, epitomized the authoritarian model. Similarly, the Gileadean regime in Atwood’s novel mirrors the totalitarian tendencies of such governments. This parallel serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power, even in societies built on the promise of liberty and democracy.

In the contemporary political context, numerous nations grapple with the consequences of authoritarianism. Leaders in various countries have employed tactics such as censorship, disinformation, and restrictions on individual liberties to consolidate power and suppress opposition.

Gender Oppression:

Another central theme in the novel is gender oppression. In Gilead, women are systematically stripped of their rights, autonomy, and agency. They are segregated into distinct roles, and their worth is primarily determined by their reproductive capabilities. The following quote from the book underscores the dehumanizing nature of this regime:

“Better never means better for everyone… It always means worse, for some.”

This quote, delivered by the protagonist Offred, captures the essence of how the oppressive regime exploits and discriminates against women, demonstrating how the promise of a “better” society is often a guise for further subjugation.

In the modern political landscape, gender discrimination and violence against women persist in many societies. The #MeToo movement and global efforts to combat gender-based violence highlight ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality. “The Handmaid’s Tale” is a stark reminder of the importance of continuing to advocate for women’s rights and challenging oppressive gender norms that still endure.

Religious Extremism:

Religious extremism is another significant theme in the novel. Gilead is a theocracy where religious ideology is used to justify oppressive policies and totalitarian control of the state. The following quote exemplifies the role of religious rhetoric in the regime:

“A rat in a maze is free to go anywhere, as long as it stays inside the maze.”

This quote, delivered in the context of religious indoctrination, symbolizes how the regime constrains its citizens within the confines of its ideology, restricting freedom in the name of faith.

In the real world, extremist groups and political leaders have employed religious rhetoric to justify acts of violence, discrimination, and the curtailment of individual freedoms. In the early 21st century, the rise of religious extremism, particularly in the Middle East, brought religious ideology to the forefront of global politics. “The Handmaid’s Tale” stands as a cautionary tale, underscoring the dangers of religious extremism when it becomes intertwined with political power, leading to repression and authoritarianism.

Erosion of Privacy and Surveillance:

Beyond these themes, Atwood’s novel delves into the erosion of individual freedoms and privacy under a surveillance state. In Gilead, citizens are subjected to constant monitoring, both by the state and their fellow citizens. While the degree of surveillance depicted in the book is extreme, it draws attention to the contemporary debates surrounding government surveillance, data privacy, and the balance between security and individual liberty.

In recent years, discussions about mass surveillance, data breaches, and the collection of personal information by both governments and private corporations have taken center stage. The novel forces readers to confront the potential consequences of sacrificing personal freedoms in the name of security, a debate that continues to shape contemporary politics.

Contemporary Political Parallels:

“The Handmaid’s Tale” remains remarkably relevant because of the rise of extremist ideologies and the erosion of democratic norms in contemporary politics. The novel serves as a stark reminder that the gradual erosion of democratic institutions and the rise of authoritarianism can occur in any society, even those with long-established democratic traditions. This is evident in the political developments in various countries where leaders have sought to consolidate power, undermine democratic checks and balances, and manipulate public opinion.

One of the most pressing concerns is the spread of disinformation and the undermining of public trust in institutions and the media. The novel’s portrayal of state-controlled propaganda and censorship serves as a cautionary tale in the age of fake news and information warfare. In this context, “The Handmaid’s Tale” encourages us to remain vigilant, discerning consumers of information, and engaged citizens committed to the defense of our rights and the preservation of democratic principles.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, “The Handmaid’s Tale” is more than a work of fiction; it is a reflection of larger political realities. Through its exploration of authoritarianism, gender oppression, religious extremism, and erosion of privacy, it serves as a cautionary tale and a call to action. As we confront contemporary political challenges and witness the erosion of democratic norms and the rise of extremist ideologies, “The Handmaid’s Tale” reminds us that vigilance, advocacy, and a commitment to democratic principles are essential in safeguarding our freedoms and building a just and equitable society. Atwood’s narrative, though dystopian, serves as a guidepost for our path forward, prompting us to confront the dangers of complacency and to work tirelessly for a more inclusive, democratic, and equitable world.

Authoritarianism and Totalitarianism:

One of the central themes in “The Handmaid’s Tale” is the omnipresent authoritarianism of the Republic of Gilead, a theocratic regime that governs every facet of the characters’ lives. In Gilead, individual freedoms are sacrificed at the altar of state control, and citizens are subjected to surveillance, propaganda, and strict social hierarchies. While Gilead is an extreme fictional example, it is not far removed from the authoritarian regimes that have existed throughout history and still persist in various parts of the world.

In the 20th century, for example, the Cold War era was marked by the ideological struggle between democracy and authoritarianism. The Soviet Union, with its centralized control, suppression of dissent, and state-controlled media, epitomized the authoritarian model. Similarly, the Gileadean regime in Atwood’s novel mirrors the totalitarian tendencies of such governments. This parallel serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power, even in societies that are built on the promise of liberty and democracy.

In the contemporary political context, numerous nations grapple with the consequences of authoritarianism. Leaders in various countries have employed tactics such as censorship, disinformation, and restrictions on individual liberties to consolidate power and suppress opposition. “The Handmaid’s Tale” serves as a stark warning that authoritarianism can emerge even in democratic societies when citizens become complacent or indifferent to the erosion of their rights.

Gender Oppression:

A prominent theme in the novel is gender oppression. In Gilead, women are systematically stripped of their rights, autonomy, and agency. They are segregated into distinct roles, and their worth is primarily determined by their reproductive capabilities. Although the circumstances in “The Handmaid’s Tale” are extreme, the broader context of gender discrimination is an unfortunate reality in many parts of the world.

During the 1980s when the novel was written, women’s rights movements were gaining momentum, advocating for gender equality in various domains, including the workplace and reproductive rights. Atwood’s narrative served as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the dire consequences of subjugating women and denying them control over their own bodies.

In the modern political landscape, gender discrimination and violence against women persist in many societies. The #MeToo movement and global efforts to combat gender-based violence highlight ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality. “The Handmaid’s Tale” is a stark reminder of the importance of continuing to advocate for women’s rights and challenging oppressive gender norms that still endure.

Religious Extremism:

Religious extremism is another central theme of the novel. Gilead is a theocracy where religious ideology is used to justify the oppressive policies and totalitarian control of the state. This concept is not confined to the realm of fiction; it finds resonance in historical and contemporary contexts where religious fervor is manipulated to justify oppressive agendas.

For instance, extremist groups and political leaders have employed religious rhetoric to justify acts of violence, discrimination, and the curtailment of individual freedoms. In the early 21st century, the rise of religious extremism, particularly in the Middle East, brought religious ideology to the forefront of global politics. “The Handmaid’s Tale” stands as a cautionary tale, underscoring the dangers of religious extremism when it becomes intertwined with political power, leading to repression and authoritarianism.

Erosion of Privacy and Surveillance:

Beyond these themes, Atwood’s novel delves into the erosion of individual freedoms and privacy under a surveillance state. In Gilead, citizens are subjected to constant monitoring, both by the state and their fellow citizens. While the degree of surveillance depicted in the book is extreme, it draws attention to the contemporary debates surrounding government surveillance, data privacy, and the balance between security and individual liberty.

In recent years, discussions about mass surveillance, data breaches, and the collection of personal information by both governments and private corporations have taken center stage. The novel forces readers to confront the potential consequences of sacrificing personal freedoms in the name of security, a debate that continues to shape contemporary politics.

Contemporary Political Parallels:

“The Handmaid’s Tale” remains remarkably relevant because of the rise of extremist ideologies and the erosion of democratic norms in contemporary politics. The novel serves as a stark reminder that the gradual erosion of democratic institutions and the rise of authoritarianism can occur in any society, even those with long-established democratic traditions. This is evident in the political developments in various countries where leaders have sought to consolidate power, undermine democratic checks and balances, and manipulate public opinion.

One of the most pressing concerns is the spread of disinformation and the undermining of public trust in institutions and the media. The novel’s portrayal of state-controlled propaganda and censorship serves as a cautionary tale in the age of fake news and information warfare. In this context, “The Handmaid’s Tale” encourages us to remain vigilant, discerning consumers of information, and engaged citizens committed to the defense of our rights and the preservation of democratic principles.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, “The Handmaid’s Tale” is more than a work of fiction; it is a reflection of larger political realities. Through its exploration of authoritarianism, gender oppression, religious extremism, and erosion of privacy, it serves as a cautionary tale and a call to action. As we confront contemporary political challenges and witness the erosion of democratic norms and the rise of extremist ideologies, “The Handmaid’s Tale” reminds us that vigilance, advocacy, and a commitment to democratic principles are essential in safeguarding our freedoms and building a just and equitable society. Atwood’s narrative, though dystopian, serves as a guidepost for our path forward, prompting us to confront the dangers of complacency and to work tirelessly for a more inclusive, democratic, and equitable world.

Artist’s Statement

The title of my essay is Ten Months of Disappointment. This year has been difficult for many people. The coronavirus has changed everything, including me. This year started out for me well but then the virus and other tragedies hit me hard. Each month of this year created new challenges but, in the end, also created new opportunities. I wrote this piece after a deep reflection of this year’s experiences. I sat down in my room at my computer and thought about how each month began and ended. I reexamined photos I took with my phone, text messages I sent, and social media posts I sent and received. I reflected on the many conversations I had with my mom and dad. I thought about the conversations I had with my friends while playing games on my PlayStation. While I wrote this piece for my well-being, I hope my story will inspire others to never give up no matter the challenge.