The Power Of Language In 'The Handmaid's Tale'

I chose this quote because it illustrates the power of language as a way of maintaining control. The main reason reading and writing is forbidden in Gilead is because this would enable the women to reach the same level of knowledge as the men. Women are denied to books, newspapers, and even the bible so that they can forget most of the powerful words which were part of their vocabulary. This way people won’t be able to use words that provoke any emotions expect for words that are only needed for basic communication. All the handmaid’s have another name, “which nobody uses now because it’s forbidden.” Again, it seems that the main reason for tearing their individuality apart is to make the women submissive to the society’s rules. Restriction