Language and Naming

The Handmaid's Tale

The power of language in Gilead, from the erasure of names to the forbidden act of reading.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Erasure of Names The Erasure of Names from "The Handmaid's Tale". The Erasure of Names The Patronymic Offred is named after the Commander. Her real name is forbidden. She keeps it as a buried treasure.

The Erasure of Names from "The Handmaid's Tale". The Erasure of Names The Patronymic Offred is named after the Commander. Her real name is forbidden. She keeps it as a buried treasure.

The Erasure of Names The Patronymic Offred is named after the Commander. Her real name is forbidden. She keeps it as a buried treasure. The Loss of Identity Without a name, she is a function. She is a Handmaid, not a person. The regime tries to erase her individuality. The Resistance Offred clings to her secret name. She tells it to Nick. Naming is an act of defiance.

The Forbidden Word The Forbidden Word from "The Handmaid's Tale". The Forbidden Word Reading and Writing Handmaids are forbidden to read and write. The Bible is locked up. Books are dangerous.

The Forbidden Word from "The Handmaid's Tale". The Forbidden Word Reading and Writing Handmaids are forbidden to read and write. The Bible is locked up. Books are dangerous.

The Forbidden Word Reading and Writing Handmaids are forbidden to read and write. The Bible is locked up. Books are dangerous. The Scrabble Games Offred plays Scrabble with the Commander. The words are a luxury. She feels the power of language. The Story Offred tells her story on tape. It is a forbidden act. Language is a tool of resistance. She will not be silenced.

throughout the narrative