The presentation of loss within Feminine Gospels and The Handmaid's Tale Eliana Lazarus 11th Grade

Within both The Handmaid’s Tale and Feminine Gospels, the concept of loss is proven to be prevalent, as a determining role amongst the two pieces of literature. Duffy and Atwood present this idea particularly in regard to the loss of voice, identity and loved ones, and ultimately the ways in which the protagonists react to such deprivation in both similar and contrasting manners.

The Handmaid’s Tale and Loud present the loss of voice, particularly establishing a comparison between those who passively and actively rebel against this exploitation, as well as drawing upon the consequences of doing so. Amongst the regime of Gilead, vast efforts are proven to be made with the intent of diminishing and discarding the voice of women. The loss of voice is made evident through the only form of communication permitted being through biblical language, establishing restraint upon the freedom of speech. Offred expresses this forbiddance to use her voice and communicate with other Handmaids whilst “during these walks, she had never said anything that was not strictly orthodox”, but rather “blessed be this, blessed be that”. In response to this, Offred portrays a sense of acknowledgment yet disproval towards “the blessed are the silent”,...