Symbolism In How To Read Literature Like A Professor

In chapter 12, of How to Read Literature Like A Professor, Thomas Foster describes how a writer might symbolize almost everything in a novel: starting with a simple object to the most complex characters. According to Foster, not everyone will find a symbol; those that eventually do however will not interpret the meaning of the symbol the same way as others do. Some writers use direct symbols, but some let us use our imagination to find the true hidden meaning. In addition, Foster explains how if we want to figure out the deeper meaning of a symbol, we should “use a variety of tools on it: questions, experience, preexisting knowledge” (Foster 107). Since “a symbol can’t be reduced to standing for only one thing,” Foster encourages readers to “… engage that other creative intelligence” and to “listen
to” their “instincts” (Foster 114). Foster’s guidelines on symbolism can be applicable and are extremely accurate throughout the novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.
Within the highly structured and totalitarian regime of Gilead in the novel, there is a complex social caste system for the women, where the color of their dress is used to distinguish their function within the society.
The wives of the Commanders wear blue dresses, the Econowives wear blue and green striped dresses, the Commanders’ daughters wear white, the Marthas – the servants – wear green dresses, the Aunts in charge wear khaki dresses, and the handmaids wear red. Offred says, “Everything except the wings around my face is red: the color of blood, which defines us” (Atwood 8). The dress color of the handmaids is mentioned frequently to symbolize their weakness in the society and how they are unable to escape their duty – to reproduce and to bear children – and their new identity. In addition, Offred’s red dress serves as a symbol of her powerlessness when red is connected with power and is symbolized as strength. Usually, women are allowed to choose whether to go to the Colonies or to become a handmaid and this is a perfect example of irony. Red is ironic because while having so much control, most of the women make themselves powerless in Gilead using their
power.
Furthermore, red symbolizes and is related to sexual behaviors and what’s ironic about this is how the handmaids, those wearing red, are destined to receive cruel punishments for being involved in adultery. Yet, these handmaids are expected to engage in monthly sexual intercourse, known as “The Ceremony” with high ranking Commanders whose wives are unable to conceive children of their own (Atwood 93). Foster emphasizes the truth that many readers associate symbols with “objects and images” rather than “events or actions” (Foster 112). Atwood incorporating the scene of the Ceremony and revealing the secret late night meetings between the Commander and Offred – where she knocks “on the door of this forbidden room” – both serve as a symbol (Atwood 136). His insight once again connects to The Handmaid’s Tale when he clearly claims that “action can also be symbolic” (Foster 112). Last but not least, even the generic names given to the handmaid’s when entering the house of a new commander are symbolic. The lack of connection to the names is symbolic for the loss of freedom and identity as handmaids.
Comprehending the variety of symbolism allowed for a better insight into understanding the hidden meanings in The Handmaid’s Tale. Her clothing reminds her of the powerful society, what she has become, and her body represents her as a human with human desires and needs. The clothes draw her back to her responsibilities and symbolically mark her as a fallen woman.