Classwork/Religion

Identify three ways in which Religion is misquoted or misused?

Religion is a prominent theme in the novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, as the society is a Theocracy. A theocracy is a government based on a religion. In the case of Gilead, this society is based on the Christian faith. Throughout the novel, references to the Bible are made. However, they are usually misquoted or misused in order to fit in to what they want and/or are speaking about.

An example where religion is misused and misquoted is when the Commander says at the Ceremony, "God to Adam, God to Noah. Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth." This quote means that the Commander is telling his listeners that the Samaritans in the bible did the same as what Gilead's principle's state. The direct mention of the nouns, seems like the Commander is justifying the act of 'state rape' by saying that holy figures are preaching this to them. The lexis of reproduction, reinforces the idea that what they are about to do is the correct thing because the bible says to procreate and makes it seem appropriate. The repetition of the conjunction, and, also shows that there are endless references to Gilead's principles thus justifying the act again.

Another example of where religion is misused or misquoted is again before the Ceremony when the Commander says, "Blessed be the poor in spirit, for theirs in the in kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the merciful. Blessed are the meek. Blessed be the silent. Blessed be those that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” This quote means that God is acknowledging all people in society. The repetition of the adjective, blessed, connotes that God will overlook the handmaids and reward them for being a handmaid. This makes the handmaid feel that her being apart of such a job is a good thing and thus would be submissive to their Commander and society. The short sentences gives the effect that God is blessing a lot of the people in Gilead and is not forgetting or ignoring anyone. The adjectives such as meek, mourn and silent describes the different types of people in Gilead and by the Commander saying that they are recognized in the bible will make the citizens feel that there is hope for them and that Gilead is good.

"Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her”. This quote demonstrates that Serena Joy is giving the Commander right to sleep with Offred. The modal verb, shall, connotes that there is no questioning whether or not the handmaid will deny the Commander of entering her. This reference to this in the bible again justifies the act of 'state rape'. Offred may feel that this is her duty and will follow with no remorse their practices.