How naive some of these fears seem today -- not because they were groundless, but because when these things really came to pass, they were a good deal more insidious -- and darker -- than anyone back then could have imagined. It's little wonder that the novel has come back into prominence today; Atwood herself has written about the power it's had in its new (juxta)position. The current television series starring Kate Moss is certainly one sign of this renewed relevance; this graphical adaptation by Renee Nault is surely another. Nault, like Atwood, is Canadian, which certainly gives her an ideally parallel perspective on Canada's irksome southern neighbor, but she's also a generation younger, a native of the dynamic, cosmopolitan province of British Columbia. Her style is very much influenced by other arts of the "Pacific rim," drawing in particular from that of Japanese Ukiyo-e prints. And, as we've seen with other graphic novels such as Kristina Gehrmann's version of The Jungle, the presence of red in a dark world is even more dramatic -- not only is it, of course, the color of the habits assigned to handmaids, but it's the color of blood. And here, unlike in Gerhmann's work, it's a bright, bright red, spilling onto and over the frames and margins of the page. Nault has talked about her approach, but bear in mind that, as with our other books, it's we the viewers and readers of this book in whose eyes and hands the ultimate judgement of her success rests.
After reading this graphic novel, I would say this book is very successful at achieving its main point to the audience. This was a difficult and uncomfortable situation to see unfold, but due to it being in graphic novel form, it takes this dark story and helps drive the point home. Images stick with people far longer than words. The vibrant and deep contrast between the colors throughout the graphic novel helped guide me on what to focus on and pay attention to. This novel would be very fearful for many today because all that people fought for would crumble. The world today promotes pride in identity, confidence, power and achievements, especially for women. So to have all of that snatched away would be a truly fearful experience.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading The Hand Maids Tale , it made me feel a few different emotions. First being heartbreak for what any of these women had to under go in this graphic novel. In chapter two a quote had stood out to me, because not even having your own name to identify yourself would be unimaginable ."I have another name, which nobody uses now because its forbidden. I tell myself it doesn't matter, your name is like your telephone number, useful only to others; but it does matter. I keep the knowledge of this name like something hidden, some treasure ill come back to dig up, one day. I think of this name as buried". The idea of having that little freedom that you could not use your own name leaves me speechless. Margaret Atwood achieved a main point to her audience with this graphic novel. As this theme was a difficult to read about and see , it got its point across. Today these experiences would be unthinkable if women today couldn't even have the simple right of being allowed a name for yourself , or the freedom to even dress the way a women wanted to express herself as without someone choosing it for her , as today we believe to have freedom to be whom ever we want to be and which ever way we want to express it, as it comes along with judgments , we still are allowed to do as we please with expressing ourselves as women.
ReplyDelete-Karissa Santos
I agree it was heartbreaking at moments but so eye opening and it's crazy how fast the handmaids were broken down and brainwashed into their new realities and stripped of all rights and freedom. The author did a great job of getting the points across through graphics.
DeleteI agree, reading this novel was shocking and heart breaking. I don't want to imagine any women living through this situation. Another part that goes along with the freedom of their own bodies is when she is taking a bath and while she is taking the clothes off she says "my nakedness is strange to me. my body seems outdated. Did I really wear bathing suits to the beach? Shameful. Immodest...I am a national resource."
DeleteI never knew what a Handmaid was until reading this graphic novel. Margaret Atwood did an amazing job of painting the picture of how the women were treated. These women were just taken from society, not to mention their family and friends, without agreement and sent to this place where they are now not allowed to speak, have contact with friends or family. Not even being able to fight against it or they would be beaten or killed. That is an awful way to think about living a life like that.
ReplyDeleteIt was disturbing to me to see the commander wife use Offred like a object to get her to have a baby. During intercourse you could see the commanders wife had put her in between them as if she wasn’t even there. When Ofwarren was having her baby, the wife of Warren was having her belly rubbed by other wives just as if she was having the baby. The wife also leaned over Ofwarren in a birthing position as if she was the one giving birth. It reminds me of the terrible people who keep dogs as breed dogs to make money, they don’t care about the damage they are doing to the dog, just as the commander and wives don’t care what they do to the handmaids. This was an touching graphic novel, but very well illustrated and written.
I didn't know what a handmaid was either. It actually only became clear to me when she went to see the doctor and he offered to "help" her. It is heartbreaking to me that women live their life only for the purpose of birthing a child for someone else, and their worth is based on how fertile they are.
DeleteThe adaption of The Handmaids Tale, by Renee Nault was a very powerful graphic adaptation of the novel. I believe that the message of this book is very interesting and important regardless of the graphic adaptation, but the colors and the visuals make it that much more impactful. I believe that, especially today, the feminist lens is an important perspective to take. The idea of child bearing is taking in two different interpretations. One interpretation being an empowering stance, and the other being that of weakness, and a job that women must complete. This novel specifically is emphasizing a weakness that childbearing is for women and how is predisposes them to abuse. I believe that the colors in this novel were interesting because in the context of birthing children; blood is very common and expected. This is one of the only medical situations where liters of blood are not concerning and where the process is very messy. The novel was very effective in the use of color and shades of darkness to emphasize the abuse and the trauma that this regime committed women to. Overall this narrative is important because many women feel shame for not being able to have children today and conversely, many women are put into similar situations that the characters face in this book; slavery and abuse. I really enjoyed this book and the graphic adaptation made the story that much more interesting. -Lisbeth Spitzschuh
ReplyDeleteWhen we were told that The adaptation of The Handmaids Tale was one of the book we would be reading in class, I was so excited to read the adaptation version. I have the novel and haven't got to read it yet, but I love the tv show on Hulu. I think it is so important and necessary to watch and read just to be aware. I think the purpose of creating this dystopian universe is to warn people of what could happen to our society if we keep going the way we are currently. It also shows how necessary the #Metoo movement and the feminism movement is so necessary and Important. From what I have read so far in the graphic novel, I particularly enjoy it and especially the differences. I like that it is not exactly a copy version of the television show. I also found the illustrations powerful and moving. In the graphic novel, it shows in a flashback Moira being dragged back into the Red centre with her feet being whipped with steel cables with frayed ends during their daily prayer. Nault illustrates June praying but as you look more closely at the illustration you see the background of the picture appear to be Moira's swollen feet. I found that illustration most powerful. Overall, so far I thoroughly enjoy the graphic adaptation of the Handmaid's tale and think Renée Nault did an incredible job captivating it.
ReplyDeleteKaitlin Patterson
Kaitlin, a good comment! The graphic novel is based directly on the book; the artist deliberately avoided looking at the previous (1990) film or the current TV series. And yes, the feet! -- this is something that graphic novels can manage in a way even high-quality television can't.
DeleteReading the graphic adaptation of the handmaids tale was quite interesting. I have seen parts of the show which made it easier to figure out some of the people according to the color they wore and the work they did. For example the Martha's wore green, the wives wore a pale blue, the aunts wore brown, and the handmaids wore red. A lot of symbolism is used between the colors, and the signs since the handmaid's are not allowed to read. There's a lot to be said in all of the illustrations and the facial expressions and emotion are incredibly detailed. I really liked the unique use of frames throughout the novel, different ones suited different parts better and made it overall more effective. Although all the handmaids were dressed exactly alike the illustrator was careful to make distinctly different facial features to tell them apart and as a way to individualize them all. This is certainly one of my favorite reads so far and it's crazy to think this could actually happen in the future.
ReplyDeleteThe graphic adaptation of the Handmaid's Tale was very intriguing. I have seen bits and pieces of the tv show on Hulu and I thought it was very interesting to compare the two versions. They are similar, but at the same time, very different. The illustrations are extremely moving and really capture the readers attention. I find the idea of feminism an extremely important movement in today's society. As gender equality is improving, we are still far from equal. The graphic novel did a really good job with colors, captivating the ideas the author is trying to portray. Woman have come a very long way in society, and this story shows the hardships many woman have faced, especially when it comes to having to bear children. Overall, I have throughly enjoyed the graphic novel and its portrayal of the story, i look forward to watching the rest of the Hulu series.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading the handmaids tale. I found it super captivating to read. i really felt powerful emotions while reading. My heart went out to the lack of rights for these women and how they were treated. I find it super disgusting on how they were taught to think they were objects and only were seen to have babies and other than that they were "worthless". I loved how the author used the illustrations in this graphic novel to portray a certain tone. The artwork in the novel was breathtaking and i really love the style the author used. I like the cut scenes as well that went back and fourth with the current happenings. You could really tell when something was being emphasizes because of the artwork. I gasped at various scenes with some of the things the characters had to say and thus got very into it. There were a lot of deep and dramatic issues arises in this book especially towards the end and the Latin phrase the main character found meaning to. I was angry with the main male in the novel that used the girl for his own pleasure and yet wanted to be close and play scrabble and take her out. I really was interested in the story line and im going to start to watch the series on hulu because ive enjoyed it so much. I would definitely recommend this book and its my favorite so far!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've enjoyed the graphic novel so much. The "main male" you mention is the Commander (the Fred of Offred). In the 1991 film, he's memorably portrayed by Robert Duvall, opposite Natasha Richardson as Offred -- you can watch that on amazon. The TV series is a little more independent of the novel's plot, but Joseph Fiennes (younger brother of the better-known Ralph Fiennes) offers a different take on this character.
DeleteI also felt anger toward the commanders abuse of power he portrayed toward the main character it really made me feel for her that she didn't have the right to say no in regards to the use of her body. This novel definitely makes me want to watch the tv series so i'm with you on that boat!
DeleteI have never read or seen any version of the handmaid's tale before so this graphic novel was really interesting to me. I enjoyed reading and found that I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens. The colors used were very intriguing and allowed me to flow through the novel quite easily. The graphics and text allowed me to empathize with the women and pick up the emotions that were trying to be conveyed. It was sad to see the life these women had to live and how they could not do anything about it. It made me value my rights even more and all that we have today as women in America, although many women around the world still do not have the freedom we have. It was sad to see how mans actions were still blamed on the women and that the idea that men were superior and do no wrong was believed as law- only women were sterile never the men and it was shameful if women couldn’t bear children. I liked the main character for being true and still trying to have hope and search out opportunities that may set her free once again.
ReplyDelete-Sadie Patterson
I agree with how the use of the red color was intriguing and made the images more interesting in their part in telling the story. I also agree that the novel is very eye opening to all the freedom that we do have that we may not realize until reading something like this. It is a sad story so far and puts you in a position to root for change for the handmaids.
DeleteNaomi Rivard
Sadie, that's great that this version of the story is your first encounter with it. And yes, the story is good reason to celebrate, though I think Atwood's point in setting this novel in a "near future" America was that women's rights could be undermined, particularly by the kind of mixture of evangelical Christianity and Fascist-style social control which at the time (1985) seemed to be taking root. Some might say that the same danger exists today, which makes the graphic novel (and the television series) especially timely.
DeleteIn high school I read the original novel of the Handmaid's Tale by Morgan Atwood. I found that this adaptation is very consistent with the original work. I found that the images that Nault uses to portray the story are how I pictured the events when reading the novel. Nault's use of red is very dramatic and truly highlights certain points of the images that the reader should pay attention to and see as important parts of the story. Although red is the color of the handmaids Nault uses it to color other things in the story as well, possibly relating them to the handmaids or giving importance to those items.
ReplyDeleteNaomi Rivard
Reading the first part of the handmaid's tale was truly an interesting experience for me as I had never heard of the concept of the novel before being assigned the reading. The first half of the novel to me was really interesting because it gives you so much as to what the character is feeling by showing the illustrations in different color schemes. When the main character was in frames with her oppressors the color pallete always seemed to be in dark colors to me that represented dread. When she was in frames either alone or thinking about her past life the colors shifted into pastels because you could really feel the longing she had to return to the version of her life. The whole concept of the story to me is interesting how the "Aunts" and the people in charge try to install a concept of a woman is in control of her body that no one may take advantage of her. like how when she goes for the bath and the door is guarded, but in reality the handmaids are used and tossed to the side if they cannot produce children. where they can go outside but only for errands and only when your accompanied by another handmaiden. The handmaids are basically raped during the ceremonies and when the handmaid that made her confession talked about her rape and abortion the teacher made eveyone taunt her saying it was her fault. I cant wait to read the second half of this story because id like to see where it really leads on from there, if she ever finds her husband luke and her daughter or if she just continues to be used and not take having the power of the commanders interest in her and using it to her advantage.
ReplyDelete- Britney Raposo
Britney, that's a great observation about the different color-scheme for the "before" times -- before, of course, society was regimented and women were obliged to wear outfits whose color designated their life station.
DeleteI had never before watched or read the hand maids tale before but my aunt had explained it me as she was watching the series. And to be honest reading the first half it was like what she was telling me was coming to life eve though, I was not really watching it the different colors of the dresses and some of the things the ladys said just made sense to me. As soon as I finish the book I am going to watch the series. One thing that I had also. found curious was that the characters in the story had normal lives, or what seem like normal lives to us before this new world to them. How one of the characters recognized the mean wife as a celebrity.
ReplyDelete-K'Mia Sylvester
K'Mia, yes the "mean wife" is Serena Joy -- the artist does a remarkable job of showing her as her younger self, back when make-up was legal -- the character was in a way modeled on 1980's "televangelists" such as Tammy Faye Bakker, whose former husband Jim Bakker is still on television today!
DeleteUpon reading the graphic novel, The Hand Maids Tale, I was very humbled being a woman in the 21st century. Margaret Atwood did a stunning job at depicting how these women were treated in a sense that it felt almost surreal. These women had been isolated from their families and taken from society to now live in a place that they were oppressed in the fear of being beaten or killed. The play on colors was interesting to follow as I found the trend that Martha wore a different color from the wives, the maids, and the aunts. It was as though it was to symbolize the levels to the oppression. I took the red that the handmaids wore as a caution and alertness for them as red is a bold color and can symbolize to “stop” which for the handmaids was prevalent since they were forbidden to read, speak up, fight, or have any rights essentially. This differs from today’s society entirely. Although there is still some mileage to take in regard to women’s rights, we still have come a long way. Women today have more equal rights to men in all dimensions such as work, pay, and credibility. Women are allowed to voice their opinions and speak up in numerous movements such as the Women’s Rights Movement. Personally, I am blessed to be in an environment that values my opinion. Being able to even read this novel and discuss the mistreatment of women during that time period and hear others similar thoughts whether male or female is a true blessing. I look forward to finishing the graphic novel!
ReplyDelete-Lisa Agyare
Personally, I never read the original book of the Handmaid’s Tale but I did watch all the seasons of the television version. After finishing reading the graphic novel version, it’s represented pretty closely to the television version. The portrayal of the images in the graphic novel was very simple and which I found overwhelming with the color red because in the film, it’s obviously more lively. But I find that Nault’s purpose to use so much red makes sense and adds more “drama” to the reading than the dialogue alone. It’s nice to see even with simple colors that I was able to see the contrast of emotions felt within the characters. For instance, seeing all the Handmaids and their color associated with red and have a pale dreary look. This can represent the tiredness of their oppression to be controlled of their body. But shifting gears, it surprises me how throughout this novel June has some empathy towards Serena Joy saying it’s also hard for her. Serena Joy, as ironic as her name comes off she’s very intimidating and standoffish and looks, in a way, as a living corpse in the graphics. I don’t know how I feel about her because her position puts me in a weird place like I am conflicted. Do I feel bad for her because in the television version she’s a very quite nasty woman but she has her reasons? Anyways, I look forward to reading the second half of the novel.
ReplyDelete-Kimberly Dy
I first read The Handmaid’s Tale as part of an English class in High School. I didnt love the book, but I didnt dislike it either. I felt that the first half of the graphic novel was more interesting than the first half of the original because the illustrations done by Nault made the book seem more “real” and I felt more immersed in the story. On the other hand, I found that the graphic novel was much more disturbing than the book. While both were unnerving, seeing illustrations of certain scenes (especially the “ceremony” and Offred’s trip to the doctor’s office) made me feel more uncomfortable than I had expected. I think that Nault intended for her illustrations to be more graphic than the book in order to have the story resonate with the reader in a more personal way.
ReplyDeleteNick Lancia
After reading this graphic novel, I've come to the conclusion that the author successfully portrayed her main point to the reader. These women were taken away from their home, friends, and family. They weren’t able to keep their own name and identification. For example, a quote from chapter two, "I have another name, which nobody uses now because its forbidden. I tell myself it doesn't matter, your name is like your telephone number, useful only to others; but it does matter.” I can’t imagine not being able to be my true self. In addition, reading this graphic novel made me feel so much heartache for the tragedy these girls had to go through. What I found to be really upsetting was when the commander’s spouse used Offred as if she were a tool to get her to bear a child. When the commander and his wife were having sexual intercourse, the wife put Offred between, which was part of her scheme to get Offred pregnant. To add on, the use of color and shades in this novel had a very big impact and showcased the how much abuse and trauma these women had to go through.
ReplyDelete- Zachary Garcia
I have never watched the television series or read the book, so the plot and storyline was all new to me. To start the storyline itself is really uncomfortable and grueling to read, however this type of story is meant to feel that way. It was interesting to me that the author had this story take place in the near future rather than the past. That itself made this novel a little more uneasy, as women's rights have come a long way. To make the case that this is going to happen after all of this progress is a troublesome thought. However I did enjoy the story, it kept me engaged and the pictures really do help to show the reader what he/she should be feeling emotionally. Ill be sure to check out the tv show adaptation after reading this graphic novel.
ReplyDeleteLike many, this is my first encounter with The Handmaid's Tale, and I must admit that this story is quite a heavy read. The general storyline is quite grim and unsettling, which makes this dystopian novel very successful in terms of making the reader feel horrified. I must admit, reading this graphic novel adaptation reminds me unfortunately of what is being done to women in certain cultures in our present day, and what was done to women in the past. The whole idea that some women are just meant to be used for their ability to give birth was very unsettling and very uncomfortable. I did find it interesting that Nault used the color red very prominently in this adaptation, because the color red represents fire, love, passion, and adultery. It's very obvious that the handmaidens don't necessarily feel any love or passion toward the commanders which leads me to wonder if Nault chose the color red solely for its "sinful" connotations. Overall, The Handmaid's Tale, although quite heavy, was an interesting read that made me reflect on women's rights both in the present and past, as well as trauma and its affects on people (i.e. how trauma has affected Offred and her way of thinking and processing situations).
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment. I found the reading a little difficult too in terms of vocabulary.
DeleteAlso, I definitely feel for all the women who, unfortunately, have to live in conditions very similar to the ones shown in the book.
This is the first version of the handmaid's tale that I read or watch. In fact, I didn't know what a handmaid was, I thought maybe a house servant. Unfortunately, as I started reading into this novel, I began to realize that they serve the purpose, merely, to bear children for high-ranking marriages. Their role in society became clear when Offred visits the doctor for her check ups and he offers to "help" her by, what it seemed to me, having sex with her to get her pregnant. This was the moment I realize what a handmaid was.
ReplyDeleteI, honestly think, this book is a little difficult to read because of the language used but the illustrations do a great job to bring me to the context and understand the situation better. Although is a sensitive topic to read about, I really enjoyed reading this book. I guess I was shocked at many of the situations that happened in this first half, but what stroked me the most is that the whole situation is so normal for everyone in Gilead. I would think, how does a wife allow her husband to have sexual relations with another women, and in their presence? How is a man able to have sex with a much younger women in front of his wife? How is that other women (the aunts) dedicate their life to train younger women for the "job" of a handmaid knowing exactly what awaits for them outside? It just seems too unreal to me that everyone goes about their life in their own roles, knowing what is really happening, but acting as it is just normal.
I've always been one to like movies and books based on real life stories and although this novel is classified as a "speculative fiction", in some instances, is very true to our society nowadays. We see cases of surrogacy, in which a women rents her womb to a couple or person that for various reasons is not fertile. We see in Muslim culture polygamy is allowed, in which a man is allowed to be married to multiple women and the wives are all aware that the man has multiple partners. We see, even to this day, that human sex trafficking continues to be an issue around the world. We see, just as in the novel, the issue of abortion still being one of the most debated problems of all times. Also, female genital mutilation as an issue that still goes on in some cultures today and many other social and political issues that are shown in the book that apply to our society.
Unlike others, this is my third time viewing the Hand Maid’s Tale. The first time I watched it I was a Sophomore in high school. I wasn’t quite sure what the show would be like just that it was a made up world. Watching it in class I was so amazed by the hanging up of humans on the wall; only for the simple fact that who in their right mind would do that. I feel like that takes away human dignity which is a way of striping some of power; which is the goal. The fact that the Maid’s only purpose is to produce babies is a scary site honestly. As if being a woman isn’t already hard enough, now we have to sit here and bear another woman a child. To be dehumanized is a horrible thing, to be seen as an object yet another.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement. The rights that are taken from the woman are disrespectful enough yet to give the only right they do have away to someone else is worse. However, it was interesting to see that not all the woman became handmaids and that even the commanders broke the rules however they managed to hide it from the eyes better than the handmaids could.
DeleteNaomi Rivard
the adaptation of the handmaid's Tale by Renee Nault was very powerful and truly achieved the point of comic adaptations, all the images with their colorful contrasting really facilitated the understanding of the novel (in my case). Personally I did not have any kind of knowledge of this novel before, but thank to the comments of my classmates I realized that there is even a show about this novel which would be very interesting to watch after this reading. the novel, in general, is a very sad story developed in a new fictitious USA where most women are basically childbearing objects due to government decisions against the low birth rates caused by pollution. the novel, in my opinion, is a contemplation of a world where the woman doesn't have rights or opportunities and their only worthy value is the capacity of giving birth, on the other hand, it is sad to see how these woman in the story don't even have the right to choose their procreation partner, they are basically slaves. in the 21 century is completely crazy to think that many women in the past did not have rights and they were just considered objects, it is also sad to see how women in many other cultures don't have the same rights as the men, but I believe that we have advanced a lot in this aspect. on the other hand, I really enjoy science fiction because of its ability to show us another perspective of the world without touching the fantasy, most parts of the science fiction works have some facts or theories based on science, and this is really interesting because even though it seems impossible it could happen
ReplyDelete-Luis Joan Cespedes
The adaptation of the Handmaids Tale was definitely an eye opening graphic novel that I enjoyed reading for the first time. Knowing there is a movie, I am interested in viewing that to see the difference if there is any from the novel. I actually read it all at once the first time because I was interested to see what direction it was going to end. Now looking back after reading it, to begin with I never knew what a "handmaid" even was before opening the novel. Now knowing that it is a women used for only house work and creating children for others benefit , its sad knowing this was created for women. It wasn't the easiest read , I did have to go back and re read a few lines to understand what was always going on, but it was still keeping my interest to learn more. The pictures in the novel keeps you interested , using red for the choice of the color the handmaids wore, was a bold look for women who had no power over themselves as it created an impact after reading and makes you wonder why that color was chosen, considering in my perspective when you see the color red used, you normally don't associate it with something good.
ReplyDelete- Karissa Santos
After finishing the adaptation of the Handmaid's Tale I have a different perspective of the story. I found it extremely interesting how the story ended. It makes me think more about whose side Nick was on. Part of me, due to the way he was depicted, believes that he might have been their to help her and that the Eyes were their way out. However, I find that this may be a stretch due to the fear that the people had of the Eyes, but I tried to have optimism towards the end of the story. Although this story takes place in the future it is eye opening to see how powerful the government can be and how our lives and the way we live can change so quickly and drastically.
ReplyDeleteNaomi Rivard
From the start of reading, I really felt a connection with the book through the color usage / pallete. It is surreal to think that people can be so easily brainwashed. It is also disturbing to know that something like this can happen to women and them not have any control. To read about the men brainwashing the women to believe that their only purpose in life is to get pregnant and such. I find this interesting because I know that in some communities, such as a rural village in Turkey, people do actually believe this. They base a woman's worth on if she can get pregnant, and that she must deliver a boy to be of high value. The men are never to blame if a woman cannot get pregnant, and the woman are the ones who are shamed for not getting pregnant. they can be ostracized from the community and seen to everyone as a failure.
ReplyDeleteLike others, I did not know what a handmaiden was. I assumed it was similar to a midwife- someone who helps a pregnant woman through the different stages of pregnancy and the delivery of the child.
Reading the Handmaid’s Tale for the first time, I felt it was a great graphic novel although it produced many emotions for me. I was intrigued right off the bat, however, I soon felt such sadness and anger for the handmaids. I cannot imagine being treated so inhumanly, to be forbidden to have an identity, to read, to speak or have any rights at all. These women were removed from their families, and lived in constant fear of being beaten, raped or killed. To treat women as objects, with the sole purpose of bearing children for the benefit of other people is deeply disturbing to me. I cannot imagine what the emotional and physical damage causes to someone that is treated that way. I do intend on watching the TV series, however I am glad that I read the graphic novel first. I enjoyed reading the great detail in the novel that sometimes can be missed in a movie or on a TV show. The colorful and detailed illustrations were remarkable and helped bring the story to life. In my opinion, the use of red highlighting was integral to the importance of each image. Although we have made great strides with women’s rights in America, we still have a ways to go. We are fortunate that we have progressed as other countries in the world still treat women inhumanely. This novel certainly brought to light the importance of continuing on a positive path and treating everyone equally.
ReplyDelete-Amanda Musumeci
When I started reading “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, my expectations were something else. The way that the commander’s wife was ok with having her husband taking advantage of these women to produce children and them not having a saying. The part that really surprised me was in chapter 4 with the doctor saying that he could help Offred because he has helped others before. By others he’s obviously talking about women who he knows are having this unpleasant relationship with the commander. It’s really upsetting how the handmaids are taken advantage of and treated as if they were objects. They weren’t even allowed to be called by their real names and were obligated to wear everything in red and hide themselves using these ‘wings’ that are white so they aren’t fully seen. They are suppose to be protected by the "Aunts" yet even inside the building they aren't being protected at all.
ReplyDeleteI had no prior knowledge of the Handmaids Tale prior to reading this graphic novel. The themes are a lot darker than I would have expected. The way the women all dress exactly the same adds a really eerie touch to the novel, and being able to see it visually represented gave me chills, which I imagine wouldn't have hit me so hard if I weren't reading a graphic novel adaptation. The scene that stuck out to me the most was when the woman was giving birth, and all the ladies in red were lined up giving her instructions at the bottom of the page. Seeing all of them in a line like that was a creepy thing to look at.
ReplyDelete-Catherine Comfort