Freedom vs. Security

The Handmaid's Tale

The trade-off between freedom and security that Gilead offers, and Offred's reflections on it.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Promise of Security The Promise of Security from "The Handmaid's Tale". The Promise of Security The Regime's Argument Gilead claims to protect women from violence.

The Promise of Security from "The Handmaid's Tale". The Promise of Security The Regime's Argument Gilead claims to protect women from violence.

The Promise of Security The Regime's Argument Gilead claims to protect women from violence. Aunt Lydia says they have been given "freedom from." No more fear of rape or harassment. The Reality But women are imprisoned. They have no choices. The security is a cage. Offred remembers the freedom to walk alone, to work, to love. The Cost Offred thinks about the trade-off. She would rather have the freedom to choose, even with risks. Security without freedom is not worth it.

The Illusion of Safety The Illusion of Safety from "The Handmaid's Tale". The Illusion of Safety The Commander's House The house is a prison. Offred is safe from the outside world, but she is a prisoner. The garden is a gilded cage.

The Illusion of Safety from "The Handmaid's Tale". The Illusion of Safety The Commander's House The house is a prison. Offred is safe from the outside world, but she is a prisoner. The garden is a gilded cage.

The Illusion of Safety The Commander's House The house is a prison. Offred is safe from the outside world, but she is a prisoner. The garden is a gilded cage. The War The war continues. Gilead is not safe. The regime is unstable. Offred's safety is temporary. The Escape Offred chooses to risk everything for a chance at freedom. She steps into the van. Security is an illusion.

throughout the narrative