In the desert there is no sign that says, Thou shalt not eat stones. - Sufi proverb
The Sufi proverb about the desert presents a metaphorical reflection on the absence of rules in some environments, suggesting that in the stark landscape of the desert, there are no prohibitive signs against seemingly irrational actions, like eating stones. This highlights the idea that in certain contexts, the lack of guidance leads to unconventional behavior or survival strategies, as people adapt to their circumstances.
In "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, this notion resonates with the characters' struggles within a rigid and oppressive society. Just as the desert lacks clear prohibitions, the characters must navigate a world that harshly limits their choices and freedoms, prompting them to find ways to survive and resist, even if those actions appear strange or subversive within the oppressive structure surrounding them.
