I think that the language used in the book to describe people, and especially different ranks of people, is very telling about how the men in charge use words as a form of oppression. There is obviously the ranking system for men and women (taken from the bible) where men can be Commanders, Guardians (police), or Angels (soldiers) and where women can be Wives, Handmaids, or Marthas. I called it a ranking system, although, besides the commanders and their wives, it becomes a little harder to distinguish who ranks above who. Even the idea that all women are inherently of a lower class then all men is shaken a little when Aunts might presumably rank over, or at least work beside, Angels.
However, the language in these last few chapters of the reading that really made me want to examine the Gilead’s language as a whole were the terms “unwoman” and “unbaby.” I’m not sure how “biblical” these terms are, but I have a feeling that they aren’t there for much reason other than othering people that the Gilead inherently and intrinsically disagrees with. You’re a woman who refuses to have children? Then you aren’t really a woman. A baby who isn’t perfect? Killed off, probably.
The Gilead prides itself on using biblical and “old world” rules to make things how they used to be and how they should always be. They would claim that they aren’t making anything new up. The Bible is a precious tool for them, and one that is careful not to be misused. Take a look at this article about the specific Bible verses and ideas that the Gilead uses and let me know how you think the Gilead is using language in their favor: https://www.salon.com/2017/05/12/did-you-catch-this-hidden-theme-in-the-handmaids-tale_partner/
I hadn't really thought that much about language in this book, but you're right: it's significant, just as much as language in 1984. Language creates reality, after all. That article was interesting; I had known there were biblical references involved with the idea of the "handmaid," but yes, the story of Jacob, Rachel, et al. definitely resonates here.
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