The Handmaid's Tale Color Scheme

Definition

The color scheme in The Handmaid's Tale is a deliberate use of colors to convey themes, emotions, and social hierarchies within the dystopian society of Gilead. Each color is carefully chosen to symbolize specific roles and experiences of characters, enhancing the storytelling through visual representation and emotional impact.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Red is predominantly worn by the handmaids, symbolizing fertility and blood, but also the oppression and danger they face in Gilead.
2. The blue worn by Serena Joy represents her role as the Wife, evoking themes of loyalty and control within the patriarchal structure.
3. Green is associated with the Marthas, symbolizing their domestic roles and nurturing duties, while also hinting at the restrictions imposed on them.
4. The stark contrast between colors emphasizes social hierarchy, with handmaids in red and Wives in blue, highlighting their different statuses and roles in society.
5. Color grading in scenes often shifts to darker tones during moments of tension or oppression, visually reinforcing the emotional weight of the narrative.

Review Questions

• How does the color red serve as both a symbol of fertility and danger for the handmaids in The Handmaid's Tale?
  • In The Handmaid's Tale, the color red symbolizes fertility as it relates to childbirth and reproduction, reflecting the primary role assigned to handmaids. However, it also represents danger and oppression, as handmaids are subjected to harsh control and violence. This duality creates a powerful visual statement about their existence in Gilead, encapsulating both their potential for life and the threats they face.
• Analyze how the color choices for different characters contribute to the overall themes of control and resistance in The Handmaid's Tale.
  • The color choices in The Handmaid's Tale are integral to understanding themes of control and resistance. Each character’s color reflects their societal role; for instance, handmaids wear red, while Wives wear blue. This not only highlights their positions within the hierarchy but also showcases how these colors embody their struggles against oppression. For example, when handmaids wear red, it serves as a constant reminder of their imposed identity yet can also symbolize their defiance when they reclaim agency within that framework.
• Evaluate how the visual storytelling through color scheme in The Handmaid's Tale enhances audience understanding of Gilead's societal structure.
  • The visual storytelling achieved through color schemes in The Handmaid's Tale profoundly impacts audience comprehension of Gilead's societal structure. By using distinct colors to signify different roles—such as red for handmaids and blue for Wives—the series immediately communicates the rigid social hierarchy. This approach not only deepens the viewer's engagement with character motivations but also critiques the oppressive systems at play. The stark contrasts between colors further amplify the conflict within Gilead, making it easier for viewers to grasp the underlying tensions and themes woven throughout the narrative.

Related terms

Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, often adding deeper meanings to narratives through visual elements.

Costume Design: The art of creating clothing for characters that reflects their personalities, societal roles, and emotional states, which plays a crucial role in visual storytelling.

Cinematography:

The art of capturing visual images on film or digital media, including the use of lighting and color to enhance the mood and meaning of a scene.