In front of us, to the right, is the store where we order dresses. Some people call them , a good word for them. Habits are hard to break.
In "The Handmaid's Tale," the narrator describes a store dedicated to selling dresses, an element that highlights the importance of clothing in their society. These dresses symbolize conformity and the roles assigned to women, reflecting how deeply ingrained societal expectations can be. The store serves as a reminder of the constraints placed on individuals, especially women, in this dystopian setting.
The phrase "habits are hard to break" underscores the difficulty of overcoming ingrained behaviors and societal norms. It suggests that even when aware of oppressive systems, individuals may still find it challenging to change their accepted ways of living. This theme resonates throughout Atwood's novel, as it explores the struggle of women to navigate and resist the limitations imposed on them.
