I'm pretty sure it's religious symbolism. Is anyone familiar with anything in the Bible about Gilead?
2007-11-16 12:02:45 · 3 answers · asked by srgirl6391 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't need to know specifically how it relates to the novel. The biblical references are enough.
2007-11-16 12:11:42 · update #1
Gilead is mentioned in several verses in the Torah/Tanakh. Wikipedia's page on Gilead has a list of the references, so I won't put them here.
If you're referring to the novel, "The Handmaid's Tale," then I can't help, unfortunately, as I haven't read it, but perhaps the biblical references will help.
2007-11-16 12:10:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I remember correctly, Gilead was the land that Elijah came from. Gilead was also the place where a balm was produced; this balm was known for its healing properties. I think Gilead may also be another name for Galilee.
(This is based on my memory to take it with a grain of salt. I suspect you can learn more on Wikipedia.)
2007-11-16 20:07:10 · answer #2 · answered by drshorty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gilead refers to a mountainous region near the Jordan river. It means hill of testimony or mound of witness.
Oh, and Atwood's book is excellent.
2007-11-16 20:07:38 · answer #3 · answered by Todd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋