A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF RESISTANCE AND RESILIENCE IN THE HANDMAID'S TALE BY MARGARET ATWOOD

Abstract

The present study is linguistic as it examines resistance and resilience in Margaret Atwood's (1985) dystopian novel, The Handmaid's Tale, highlighting syntactic structures within the narrative. It uses resistance literature as a conceptual framework to unpack how this phenomena relates to linguistic features. The novel also shows that the vocal features that depict resilience are tied up profoundly within the oppressive regimes. We have delved deeply into many fundamental truths by discovering linguistic features that surface throughout the novel. We have closely examined how language is used to replicate and challenge power dynamics, specifically emphasizing the important role of gender. In addition, we have tried to comprehend how the protagonist comes to terms with the tributes that transform her identity. The researchers have also looked at the placement of semantic fields and resistance, which is how different semantic areas are used to fight dominant philosophies. Following a typical social ontology analysis, we focused on the epistemic implications of language use and its pragmatic role in developing such resilience, i.e., how languages help endorse social identities. Furthermore, the study analyzes the connection between language and culture and provides awareness of what emerges within socio-linguistic settings and contexts.