Red in The Handmaid's Tale: Symbolism and Practicality

The color red is rich with symbolic meaning throughout Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel, The Handmaid's Tale. It serves as a powerful visual and thematic indicator throughout the narrative, representing both oppressive themes and the resilience of the human spirit.

Symbolism of Red as Shame and Sin

One of the first instances of the color red in the novel is associated with the Scarlet Letter, an iconic symbol from Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. In The Handmaid's Tale, the color red is similarly used to signify shame and sin. Offred, the narrator, wears the color red daily as a symbol of infidelity or impropriety. This connection to the Scarlet Letter highlights the Orwellian and highly controlling nature of Gilead's regime. The significance of red as a symbol of sin and shame is further emphasized when Offred remembers her relationship with her husband, which ended in a disastrous affair with a close friend of her husband.

Red as a Lifeblood

The color red also symbolizes lifeblood and fertility. In a society where female sexuality is strictly controlled and women are valued primarily for their reproductive capabilities, the color red represents both the vitality and the ultimate value: the ability to bear children. Offred's attire is often described as a "flame" or "rickshaw," emphasizing this symbolism.

The central role of red in Gilead's regime is particularly evident through the concept of the Red Center, a facility where handmaids undergo medical examinations and treatment to ensure their fertility and health. Red, in this context, becomes a symbol of the regime's manipulation and control over women's bodies.

Practical Utility of Red

Red also serves a practical function in the dystopian setting of Gilead. The color is used to make handmaids highly visible and distinguishable from other citizens. This practical purpose is vital for the regime to monitor and control the handmaids effectively. For example, the color red allows guards to easily spot a handmaid attempting to escape or self-harm, thus preventing such actions and maintaining control.

Subverting Traditional Representations

The novel consistently challenges traditional representations of red through its nuanced characterization. Offred, despite wearing the color red, is not simply a symbol of infidelity or rebellion. Her experiences and narrative reflect the complex and often contradictory nature of identity in Gilead. The color red, in this context, becomes a metaphor for the often painful and oppressive realities of being a woman in such a society.

Conclusion

Throughout The Handmaid's Tale, the color red is a multifaceted symbol that reflects both the oppressive nature of Gilead's regime and the resilience of the human spirit. It serves as a visual and thematic indicator of shame and fertility, highlighting the stark control over female bodies and sexuality. In addition to its symbolic and thematic significance, the practical utility of red cannot be overlooked, serving as a means of control and visibility within the dystopian setting.

By exploring the rich symbolism of red in The Handmaid's Tale, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the themes and significance of this classic work of feminist literature.