There is more than one kind of freedom," said Aunt Lydia. "Freedom to and freedom from. In the days of anarchy, it was freedom to. Now you are being given freedom from. Don't underrate it.
Aunt Lydia's assertion in "The Handmaid's Tale" highlights the distinction between two types of freedom. She emphasizes that in times of chaos, individuals experienced the freedom to make choices and pursue their desires. However, in the current oppressive regime, what is offered is freedom from fear and chaos, suggesting a controlled form of security that comes at a cost. This perspective urges the characters, and readers, to recognize the value in the stability that the regime claims to provide.
The notion of freedom as outlined by Aunt Lydia raises critical questions about autonomy and the nature of security. While the characters may find comfort in the structure provided by the regime, it is essential to understand that this so-called freedom from may strip away personal liberties. The complexity of these freedoms serves as a central theme in exploring how societies can manipulate the understanding of liberty in the pursuit of control.
