In "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, the imagery of women wearing blouses with buttons down the front symbolizes their potential for choice and autonomy. The way the clothing can be undone or left fastened reflects the duality of freedom and restriction that the characters experience in a repressive society. The blouses represent not just fashion but a deeper commentary on women's roles and their ability to exercise power over their own bodies and lives.

This striking visual suggests an ambiguity in the women's agency; they possess the ability to decide how to present themselves, yet are ultimately constrained by the oppressive framework around them. The buttons serve as a metaphor for the choices available to them, highlighting the tension between societal control and personal identity. Atwood's exploration of these themes encourages readers to reflect on the significance of clothing as a symbol of both freedom and submission in the context of gender dynamics.