Turner and Gilbert: Frames of Rebellion
Volume #12: FRAMES OF REBELLION
by Jana Gilbert @ jana_gilbert and Michelle Turner @michelleelisephoto
Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid’s Tale is a dystopian novel set in the theocratic Republic of Gilead, where a rigidly hierarchical society imposes extreme patriarchal control. The central themes of the novel include
1. Totalitarianism and Oppression: The story explores the dangers of a totalitarian regime that uses religious ideology to justify its oppressive practices. The government of Gilead strips individuals of their rights, particularly women, in an effort to control every aspect of their lives.
2. Gender and Power: Gender roles are a focal point, with women being relegated to various roles such as Wives, Marthas (household helpers), and Handmaids (childbearers). The novel examines how this rigid gender stratification enforces inequality and erases individual identity.
3. Resistance and Agency: Despite the oppressive environment, the protagonist, Offred, and others find ways to resist and assert their agency. The novel depicts various forms of rebellion, both overt and subtle, illustrating the human spirit's resilience.
4. Surveillance and Control: The pervasive surveillance and fear in Gilead serve to control and manipulate the populace. This theme highlights the ways in which totalitarian regimes maintain power and suppress dissent.
5. Identity and Selfhood: Offred’s struggle to maintain her sense of self in the face of dehumanizing conditions is a key theme. The novel delves into the effects of such an oppressive system on personal identity and autonomy.
Jana Gilbert is a Tennessee artist specializing in printmaking and letterpress, with a BA in Visual Communications and an MA in Marketing Communication. Jana’s art has been showcased in galleries in Nashville, Clarksville, and Virginia.
Michelle Turner is a photographer with over 10 years of experience, holding a BFA in photography and an MA in Marketing Communications. Her extensive background in both digital and film photography allows her to explore and capture the nuances of her subjects through diverse mediums, creating a rich and varied body of work. Michelle’s career has been driven by a quest to uncover the extraordinary within the ordinary. Her photographs, whether shot on digital or film, reveal a deep appreciation for nature and a knack for finding beauty in everyday moments. This approach not only enhances the depth and texture of her images but also underscores her commitment to showcasing the hidden splendor in the world around us. Through her lens, Michelle continues to challenge and expand viewers' perspectives, inviting them to see the remarkable within the routine and fostering a renewed appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us all.