In "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, punishment for transgressions, particularly for a first offense, often involves severe physical consequences. The method used for these punishments is characterized by the use of harsh tools, specifically steel cables that are worn and frayed, reflecting the brutality of the regime. This detail emphasizes the violent nature of the societal rules and the severe repercussions for those who deviate from them.

The imagery of the frayed steel cables invokes a sense of decay and harshness in the governing system. Through this depiction, Atwood critiques the authoritarian control that defines the characters' lives, showcasing how fear and violence are employed to maintain order and suppress dissent. The focus on the feet as the target of punishment symbolizes both the helplessness of the punished and the oppressive nature of their circumstances.