Margaret Atwood did not pick the words that Offred and the Commander spelled while playing Scrabble randomly. They relate to different aspects of the story.
The larynx is responsible for speech; it is the voice box. It is ironic that Offred spells larynx since she has no voice or say in what she is allowed to do. She is not supposed to spell words either; so in spelling this word, she is breaking all the rules. Not only is Offred spelling words when she is not allowed, she is making a statement about her lack of voice.
A valance is a piece of curtain that covers a window. It shades the window; just as Offred has to shade her face with the wings because she has no value other than her fertility. The valance hides things taking place behind the window, such as Offred’s time with the Commander must remain hidden.
A quince is a fruit that resembles an apple and is used for making marmalades. Marmalade would be a luxury item that would be taken away from the Handmaids; as items such as butter were, butter was hard to come by.
Zygote, a fertilized egg, has a very obvious connection to the novel. The handmaid’s are valued for their fertility, and those who can not bear children are sent to live with the unwomen. Offred has not had a child, so a zygote is of extreme importance for her, unless she can escape Gilead.
The scene in which Offred describes an egg she is having for breakfast was particularly interesting because it relates directly to Offred’s purpose as a handmaid. Offred states, “Pleasure is an egg. Blessings that can be counted, on the fingers of one hand. But possibly this is how I am expected to react. If I have an egg, what more can I want?” (110-111). Offred is staring at an egg discussing the wonders of its shape and warmth. She is obviously unhappy in Gilead, but to have an egg would be pleasure because she would be safe, and not have to worry about being sent to live with the unwomen. This quote summarizes in four sentences the unfair treatment that the women in Gilead receive. They are only good for their fertility, and have few other places in society.
I enjoyed this novel because by the end of it, I felt so connected to Offred; I wanted her to be able to escape Gilead, and be relieved of all her pain. I also enjoyed the humor of Offred’s mother, and of Moira. The way that they were very blunt, and not afraid to say anything was very amusing.
3 comments:
This is a very good analysis of the scrabble game. You're absolutely right; the words are definitely intentional. All the different meanings tie in with the story just as you said. I like how Atwood creatively incorporates these mini backups to her themes of fertility, lack of luxury, and control to tie in with the whole novel. I also feel that I have seen firsthand all the hardships Offred suffered, and so rooted for her escape throughout the story. It is easy to relate to her satiric nature and laugh at the comic relief scenes like Offred's mom and Moira.
I enjoyed reading this post about the words Offred used in Scrabble. While reading the book I hadn't taken the time to look into the words further, and I think you made some interesting connections. Although I do feel that symbolism, allusions, etc. greatly enhance a novel, there were some points in The Handmaid's Tale where Atwood's use of these literary devices was overwhelming.
Now that you mention it, I seemed to have forgotten about Offred's mother! I found her rather amusing also. Her memory added a breath of fresh air throughout such a depressing novel.
Excellent analysis. I would like to hear more in your reflection, however.
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