The Handmaid's Tale Quotes with Page Numbers: A Note on Accessibility
Providing exact page numbers for quotes from The Handmaid's Tale is problematic due to several factors:
- Varying Editions: Different editions of the book (paperback, hardcover, different publishers) have varying page numbers. A page number in one edition won't match another.
- E-Readers and Digital Formats: Page numbers change drastically depending on the device, font size, and margins used in e-reader formats.
Therefore, pinpointing page numbers for specific quotes is unreliable and ultimately unhelpful to most readers.
However, I can offer a selection of impactful quotes from The Handmaid's Tale, categorized for easier reference and paired with contextual information to aid in finding them within your specific edition:
Quotes on Power, Control, and Oppression:
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"There is more than one kind of freedom," said Aunt Lydia. "Freedom to and freedom from. In the days of anarchy, it was freedom to. Now you are being given freedom from. Don't underrate it." (This quote is found in the early sections of the book, within the initial indoctrination of the Handmaids.) This quote highlights the complex manipulation of the Gilead regime, reframing oppression as a form of freedom.
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"Better never means better for everyone... it always means worse, for some." (This quote appears during Offred's reflections on the social changes and the sacrifices made by certain groups). This subtly underlines the inherent inequality and injustice of the Gilead system.
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"We were the people who were not in power. We were the people who were powerless." (This quote appears in a retrospective passage where Offred reflects on the pre-Gilead era.) This underscores the gradual erosion of freedoms before the totalitarian state takes hold.
Quotes on Memory and Resistance:
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"Better never means better for everyone... it always means worse, for some." (This quote appears during Offred's reflections on the social changes and the sacrifices made by certain groups). This subtly underlines the inherent inequality and injustice of the Gilead system.
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"What's the point of remembering if remembering only makes you hurt?" (This is a common sentiment expressed by Offred throughout the novel, particularly when grappling with the trauma of her past.) This highlights the psychological toll of oppression and the complexities of memory under duress.
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"Give me children, and I will give you a name," is the old saying. (This occurs within a reflection on the relationship between procreation and identity within Gilead). This hints at the significance of reproduction and the control exerted over women's bodies.
Quotes on Hope and Survival:
- "I have tried to tell you about my life. It's not a story that can be easily told. But I want to tell it. I want it to be heard." (This serves as Offred's concluding statement, encapsulating the novel's central themes). This quote underscores her perseverance and desire to share her story.
Finding the Quotes in Your Edition:
The best approach to locate these quotes in your specific copy of The Handmaid's Tale is to use the search function (if it's a digital copy) or carefully skim sections that align with the thematic context described above. Keep in mind that the precise wording might vary slightly across editions.
Remember, the power of these quotes lies not just in their exact location but in their broader significance within the narrative. Understanding the context within the novel is crucial to fully appreciating their impact.
