Analysis of a Symbol
The FAITH pillow at the beginning of the novel, found in Offred's room at the Commander's home, is a symbol of hope and faith that Offred has in people and her chances of survival. Offred put a lot of her time into reading and rereading the pillow, the only words left for her to read in the world. Towards the end of the novel, as Offred fears and accepts that there is little hope left, she throws the pillow away from herself, trying to forget her old life, ridding herself of any hope there may be left.
Favorite Quote
"My room, then. There has to be some space, finally, that I claim as mine, even in this time."
This quote is a turning point in the story in which Offred slowly accepts her circumstances and the situation she is in. By deciding to claim this space as her own, she has accepted her belonging to the Commander, and to this new society. I find this quote really important because Offred is more able rebel in her own small ways when she doesn't have to consider her "home" a strange, foreign place.
Thoughts
Overall, I did not enjoy the novel because I did not feel a connection to Offred and her struggles as a woman in a world dominated by men. However, I enjoyed the simple language it was written in, and the deeper meanings throughout the novel. I feel the novel makes a very effective statement about taking the Bible to extremes, about the value of freedoms, and about taking these freedoms for granted. As I said though, the story was quite depressing because of the horrors demonstrated in Offred's twisted society. The fact of all the women having no freedom and being forced to live like they are in prison is quite scary and horrible.
I agree that the "Faith" pillow is one of the most significant symbols in the novel, and I understand your interpretation of it. However, when I read that portion of the story, I didn't believe the pillow offers Offred all that much hope. Surely, it is possible. Yet, perhaps the more central purpose of the pillow with the faded word "Faith" inscripted on it is to show the immense irony in Gilead. They created their society by religion and for "Faith", yet it is crumbling at its religious seams. The fact that Offred is technically not even allowed to read the pillow furthers the argument that it does not offer her hope necessarily, but rather rids her of any hope of and for society, which you also stated.
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