Why do they say "Blessed be the fruit" in The Handmaid's Tale?
If you've watched or read Margaret Atwood's chilling dystopian novel, The Handmaid's Tale, you've likely encountered the phrase "Blessed be the fruit." This seemingly innocuous greeting, exchanged between the women of Gilead, is far more than a simple salutation. It's a deeply ingrained expression rooted in the oppressive societal structure of Gilead, carrying layers of religious fervor, grim hope, and a constant reminder of the Handmaids' sole purpose.
The Literal Meaning: Fertility and Procreation
At its core, "Blessed be the fruit" is a prayer for fertility and successful childbirth. In the Republic of Gilead, a totalitarian theocracy that has overthrown the United States, widespread infertility has led to a societal crisis. The regime, fueled by a twisted interpretation of biblical texts, believes that the ability to bear children is a sacred duty and a sign of divine favor. The "fruit" in this context directly refers to a healthy baby, the desired outcome of a Handmaid's sexual servitude.
The Handmaids are assigned to Commanders and their Wives, their sole function being to conceive and carry children. This practice is a twisted perversion of the biblical passage from Genesis 30:1-3, where Rachel, unable to have children, tells Jacob, "Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her." The phrase "Blessed be the fruit" is a direct echo of this desire for progeny.
The Ritualistic Nature and Social Control
Beyond its literal meaning, "Blessed be the fruit" functions as a ritualistic greeting, a way for women in Gilead to acknowledge their shared reality and their place within the regime's rigid hierarchy. It's a constant, verbal reinforcement of Gilead's ideology. Every time the phrase is uttered, it serves as a reminder of:
- The importance of procreation: It emphasizes that bearing children is the ultimate goal for women, especially Handmaids.
- Divine sanction: The use of "Blessed be" imbues the act of procreation with religious significance, suggesting it is God's will and a blessing.
- Submission and acceptance: For Handmaids, it's an acknowledgment of their subservient role and their willingness (or forced acceptance) of their fate.
This ritualistic aspect also serves as a form of social control. By constantly repeating these phrases, the women are conditioned to internalize Gilead's values. It’s a way to ensure conformity and discourage any thoughts of rebellion or dissatisfaction. The greeting is polite, pious, and seemingly benign, but its underlying message is one of enforced duty and the commodification of women's bodies.
The Subversive Response: "May the Lord open"
The counter-phrase, "May the Lord open," is equally significant. This is the traditional response from the person being greeted. It's a plea for fertility, a hope that the "fruit" will indeed come forth. It signifies their desire and prayer for a successful pregnancy and a healthy child.
However, as the series progresses and Offred (June) begins to awaken to the injustices of Gilead, the exchanges can take on subtle layers of subversion. While outwardly adhering to the ritual, the internal thoughts of characters like Offred reveal the desperation, fear, and even resentment that lie beneath the surface of these pious phrases.
A Glimpse into the World of Gilead
The phrase "Blessed be the fruit" is a powerful linguistic tool that encapsulates the essence of Gilead. It's a world obsessed with fertility, driven by religious extremism, and characterized by the oppression of women. The constant repetition of this greeting highlights:
- The desperation for children: The phrase underscores the profound societal anxiety surrounding declining birth rates.
- The manipulation of religion: Gilead uses religious language to justify and enforce its oppressive policies.
- The limited roles of women: The greeting reinforces the idea that a woman's value is primarily tied to her reproductive capacity.
In essence, "Blessed be the fruit" is a coded message, a constant reminder of the stakes in Gilead. It’s a prayer, a duty, and a subtle indicator of the desperate hope for a future generation in a world teetering on the brink of extinction.
FAQ Section
Why is "Blessed be the fruit" said in The Handmaid's Tale?
The phrase is a greeting used in Gilead that literally refers to the hope of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby, as widespread infertility is a major crisis in the society. It's also a ritualistic expression that reinforces the regime's religious ideology and the importance of procreation.
What does "May the Lord open" mean?
"May the Lord open" is the traditional response to "Blessed be the fruit." It is a prayer or plea for fertility, expressing the hope that the Lord will open the womb and allow for conception and a successful pregnancy.
Is "Blessed be the fruit" a real religious phrase?
While it draws inspiration from biblical passages about fertility, "Blessed be the fruit" is an invented phrase specifically for the world of The Handmaid's Tale. It's a creation of Gilead's theocratic regime to serve its specific societal goals and ideology.
What is the significance of the fruit in the phrase?
The "fruit" in "Blessed be the fruit" directly symbolizes a baby or offspring. In the context of Gilead, where bearing children is paramount and extremely difficult due to infertility, the "fruit" represents the ultimate and most desired outcome of the Handmaids' role.
Does the phrase "Blessed be the fruit" have a double meaning?
Yes, while the literal meaning is about fertility, the phrase also functions as a tool of social control and a constant reminder of the Handmaids' servitude. For those who understand the injustice of Gilead, it can carry a subtle undertone of despair or forced acceptance, even if outwardly pious.
