“Dances would have been held there; the music lingered, a palimpsest of unheard sound, style upon style, an undercurrent of drums, a forlorn wail

When describing the repurposed school where she was first taken after the fall of the US government, Offred says, “Dances would have been held there; the music lingered, a palimpsest of unheard sound, style upon style, an undercurrent of drums, a forlorn wail…” Look up the definition of “palimpsest.” Why do you think Atwood chose this word specifically? What might it have to do with the story world so far?

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A palimpsest is a manuscript page where the original writing has been scraped or faded, but traces of it are still visible underneath newer writing. The new text is written on top of the old, creating a layered effect where both elements are faintly present.

Atwood’s choice of “palimpsest” to describe the repurposed school is rich with meaning and connects to the themes explored in the story so far:

  • Loss and Transformation: The school building embodies the loss of the old world and its transformation into a new, oppressive order. The lingering music represents the past way of life, now obscured but not entirely erased.
  • Haunting Memories: Offred can’t hear the music, but she senses its presence, a faint echo of a life that is gone. This highlights the characters’ struggle to grapple with the past and its lingering effects on the present.

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  • Hidden Layers: Just as the palimpsest reveals faint traces of the original text, the story world hints at the life that existed before Gilead. This hidden past adds depth and intrigue to the narrative.
  • Silencing and Suppression: The music, a form of expression, is unheard. This foreshadows the suppression of creativity and individuality in Gilead.

By using “palimpsest,” Atwood paints a vivid picture of a world where the past is not completely obliterated, but rather muted and overshadowed by the present regime. It creates a sense of melancholy and nostalgia for a bygone era, while also hinting at the resilience of the past and its potential to influence the future.

Additionally, the “unheard sound, style upon style” emphasizes the silencing of the past. Different styles of music might represent different eras and cultures, all now silenced under Gilead’s rule. This reinforces the totalitarian nature of the regime and its attempt to control all aspects of life.

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