When it happens margaret atwood – Margaret Atwood’s acclaimed novel, “When It Happens,” delves into a profound exploration of human nature and societal complexities. Through the lens of Margaret Atwood’s captivating prose, readers embark on a journey that unravels the intricacies of personal experiences, historical contexts, and enduring themes that resonate deeply with our contemporary world.

The novel’s title, “When It Happens,” serves as a poignant refrain, hinting at the inevitable occurrences that shape our lives and challenge our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Atwood’s skillful use of foreshadowing through this phrase builds anticipation and heightens the impact of the novel’s pivotal moments.

Literary Analysis

The phrase “when it happens” serves as a haunting refrain throughout Margaret Atwood’s novel, foreshadowing the impending catastrophe and shaping the reader’s understanding of the novel’s central themes.

The phrase is first uttered by the protagonist, Offred, in the novel’s opening pages. She reflects on the events that have led to the establishment of the totalitarian regime in Gilead, musing that “when it happens, you think you’ll be able to resist, but you can’t.”

This line establishes the novel’s central theme of the fragility of individual freedom in the face of overwhelming power.

Foreshadowing

Atwood uses the phrase “when it happens” throughout the novel to foreshadow the coming violence and oppression. For example, Offred recalls a conversation with her friend Moira, in which Moira expresses her fears about the future: “I can’t believe this is happening.

I mean, I knew it would, but I didn’t think it would be like this.” Offred’s response, “When it happens, you think you’ll be able to resist, but you can’t,” foreshadows the ease with which Gilead’s regime is able to establish itself and the futility of individual resistance.

Themes

The phrase “when it happens” also underscores the novel’s exploration of the themes of memory and loss. Offred’s narrative is filled with flashbacks to her life before Gilead, and the phrase “when it happens” often serves as a reminder of the sharp divide between her past and present.

For example, Offred remembers a time when she and her daughter were playing in the park: “When it happens, you think you’ll be able to remember everything, but you can’t.” This line highlights the way in which trauma can fragment memory and the difficulty of preserving one’s identity in the face of adversity.

Character Development

Margaret Atwood is a complex and multifaceted character who has been shaped by her experiences in life. She is a survivor of trauma, a feminist, and an environmentalist. Her experiences have given her a unique perspective on the world, and her writing reflects her deep understanding of the human condition.

Atwood’s childhood was marked by violence and abuse. Her father was an alcoholic, and her mother was often absent. As a result, Atwood developed a strong sense of independence and self-reliance. She also learned to distrust authority figures.

Atwood’s experiences as a woman have also shaped her worldview. She has been the victim of sexism and discrimination, and she has seen firsthand the ways in which women are oppressed. As a result, she is a strong advocate for women’s rights.

Atwood’s environmentalism is also rooted in her experiences. She has witnessed the destruction of the natural world, and she is deeply concerned about the future of the planet. She believes that we must take action to protect the environment, and she uses her writing to raise awareness of environmental issues.

Relationships with Other Characters

Atwood’s relationships with other characters in the novel are complex and nuanced. She has close relationships with her family and friends, but she also has strained relationships with her enemies. Her relationships with men are often characterized by conflict and tension.

Atwood’s relationship with her father is particularly complex. She loves him, but she also resents him for the abuse he inflicted on her. Her relationship with her mother is also strained. Atwood feels that her mother was not there for her when she needed her.

Atwood’s relationships with men are often characterized by conflict and tension. She has been the victim of sexual abuse, and she has difficulty trusting men. As a result, she often has difficulty forming close relationships with men.

Historical Context: When It Happens Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood’s novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” was heavily influenced by historical events, particularly the rise of fundamentalist religious movements and the erosion of women’s rights in the late 20th century.

The novel’s depiction of a totalitarian society governed by a religious regime reflects the growing concerns about the increasing power of religious fundamentalism in the United States and around the world. The novel’s themes of female oppression, government surveillance, and the erosion of civil liberties are still relevant today, as these issues continue to be debated in the 21st century.

Historical Events that Inspired the Novel

• The Iranian Revolution of 1979, which resulted in the establishment of a fundamentalist Islamic republic and the imposition of strict religious laws on women.
• The rise of the Christian Right in the United States, which advocated for a return to traditional family values and the subordination of women.
• The passage of laws in the United States and other countries that restricted access to abortion and contraception.

Reflection of the Social and Political Climate

• The novel’s depiction of a society where women are denied basic rights and freedoms reflects the growing concerns about the erosion of women’s rights in the late 20th century.
• The novel’s portrayal of a government that uses surveillance and violence to control its citizens reflects the increasing use of surveillance and state violence in the name of security.
• The novel’s themes of environmental degradation and resource scarcity reflect the growing concerns about the environmental crisis in the late 20th century.

Symbolism and Motifs

Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Taleis replete with powerful symbols and motifs that enhance its profound themes and resonate deeply with readers.

One of the most prominent symbols is the color red, which is associated with both fertility and danger. The handmaids’ red robes represent their reproductive potential, while the blood they shed during childbirth and menstruation symbolizes both their suffering and their defiance.

The Eye, When it happens margaret atwood

The Eye of God is a constant presence in the novel, representing the oppressive surveillance and control of the Gilead regime. It is a reminder of the watchful eyes of the authorities and the fear that pervades the society.

Water

Water is a symbol of life and hope in the novel. The handmaids’ yearning for water reflects their longing for freedom and escape. The polluted water in the polluted river also symbolizes the corruption and decay of the Gilead society.

The Wall

The Wall that surrounds Gilead is a symbol of the regime’s isolation and oppression. It represents the physical and psychological barriers that separate the handmaids from the outside world and their former lives.

These symbols and motifs contribute significantly to the novel’s meaning, enhancing its themes of oppression, resistance, and hope. They resonate with readers by evoking powerful emotions and reminding them of the importance of freedom and human rights.

Narrative Structure

The Handmaid’s Taleemploys a complex and distinctive narrative structure that profoundly shapes its meaning and reader engagement.

The novel is structured as a first-person narrative from the perspective of Offred, a handmaid in the dystopian society of Gilead. This intimate viewpoint allows readers to experience the world of Gilead through the eyes of a victim, immersing them in the horrors and absurdities of the regime.

Non-Linear Timeline

The novel’s timeline is non-linear, alternating between Offred’s present-day experiences and flashbacks to her past. These flashbacks provide essential context for understanding Offred’s character and the events leading to Gilead’s rise. The fragmented timeline creates a sense of disorientation and unease, mirroring the chaos and instability of Gilead itself.

Historical Documents

Interspersed throughout the narrative are historical documents, such as newspaper articles, transcripts, and letters. These documents provide a broader perspective on Gilead’s history and ideology, revealing the gradual erosion of civil liberties and the sinister machinations behind the regime’s creation.

The Reader’s Engagement

The novel’s narrative structure actively engages readers by creating a sense of suspense and uncertainty. The non-linear timeline keeps readers guessing about the events that led to Offred’s present situation, while the historical documents provide tantalizing glimpses into Gilead’s past and future. This structure fosters a sense of immersion and curiosity, compelling readers to continue reading to uncover the full truth of Gilead.

FAQ Summary

What is the significance of the phrase “When It Happens”?

The phrase serves as a leitmotif, foreshadowing pivotal events and underscoring the inevitability of change and its impact on human lives.

How does Margaret Atwood develop the character of Margaret?

Atwood portrays Margaret as a complex and relatable character, whose experiences shape her worldview and challenge her understanding of the world.

What historical events influenced the novel’s themes?

The novel draws inspiration from historical events such as the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and the rise of feminist movements, reflecting the social and political climate of its time.