Choose a symbol that the author has created in the novel. What is the symbol, what does it represent, and why do you think the author incorporated it in his/her novel?

In The Handmaid's Tale there is several symbols that are found in chapters one through twelve. For example, the most influential symbol in the book is the "torso". Which the narrator deeply talks about within chapter eleven. The discussion of Offred's torso begins with the doctor's inappropriate behavior. He talks to Offered when it is forbidden, and calls her names such as "honey". This represents the issue in which women aren't allowed to have feelings, or a true identity. During the book, the identity of the author shows a main importance for symbolism in the book. Offered states, "that the night is mine", or "There has to be some space, finally, that I claim is mine." From the very beginning, we see that the narrator is trying to provide a sense of ownership in a world that does not recognize these things. Her doctors visit is abnormal to modern day doctors visits. Offered has a sheet that hangs from the ceiling to hide her face; which provides a boundary of not being able to talk to the doctor. However, he continues to talk to her, and tries to importantly sway her to his services. He is full of lust and sympathy for her. The author provides this in the book because the torso deeply shows more into absorbing thoughts, ideas, and how the character supports himself. In fact, Offred, is short with the doctor. On page 53 Offred states, "It's too dangerous. I say. "No I can't. The penalty is death...". She has no control over her body, and what she wishes to do with it because of the possible punishments. The quote shows how the Gilead controls what the women do with their personal bodies. Overall, the symbolism of the torso is used to express to the readers that the man controls the women. The doctor has the power over her, and the author directly shows how she is violated without options of being able to speak her mind.