Hidden Metaphor Behind The Handmaid’s Tale’s Gilead Women’s Fashion
You wouldn’t want to choose between either of the options.
If there’s a dystopian setting that hits too close to home for many women, it’s the universe explored in The Handmaid’s Tale. The issue of female reproductive abuse is already far too real for many people around the world, and the show perfectly illustrates all the horrors that can come with an entire society built on using women as tools.
Even if you find the series too hard to watch, too triggering, or too dark, you really have to admire all the details that the production team put into it. From beautiful cinematography to quite meaningful costumes, the crew behind The Handmaid’s Tale has done everything possible to leave a very strong impression.
Gilead’s women’s fashion hides one of the biggest metaphors of the show, and it was perfectly shown in one moment at the Lincoln Memorial. With hundreds of women with their mouths covered but their eyes wide open, you can see how Serena’s veil covers her eyes and leaves her mouth open.
It perfectly shows the main difference between the two positions of women in this society. While the handmaids can see all the horrors and damage that the system causes, they can’t actively speak out against it. Their mouths are not only figuratively but also physically silenced, so they can only watch in silence.
Women, on the other hand, have a voice. However, they turn a blind eye to all the problems. Whether by choice or fear, their eyes are protected from seeing the whole picture, while they can voice their concerns when necessary.
It’s hard to say which position has more power, as neither is able to change the narrative around them. However, as the same moment shows, the Handmaids, with their silent knowledge, form an entire army, led only by one of their own, in this case, June. Their power also lies in unity.
If you want to see how the events of Season 6 of The Handmaid’s Tale turn out, keep an eye out for more news and updates to not miss a release date announcement!