Containment as Imprisonment or Freedom : A Corpus-Assisted Analysis of Conceptual Container Metaphors in The Handmaid’s Tale

Abstract: This thesis presents a close reading of the award-winning novel The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) by Margaret Atwood. Drawing on Conceptual Metaphor Theory as a framework, and the notion of embodiment, the study sheds light on metaphorical linguistic expressions that contribute to the realization of conceptual container metaphors pertinent to the main character’s psychological state. The thesis demonstrates that there are dual results for containment. Firstly, the author conceptualizes the character’s body as a container that is imprisoned because of the patriarchal regime’s control. Secondly, the body is portrayed as a container for safety and love before the regime’s takeover. In addition to this, the thesis examines themes of nature symbolism and time. The containment of nature serves as a metaphor for oppression because of environmental destruction in the country. Nevertheless, it carries a glimpse of hope and freedom and/or different forms of escape. Finally, through time conceptualized as a container, the character enters the past, and the memories it brings. This either provides an escape from the present reality — mental time travel that has positive or negative effects on the character’s mental state, or reminds her of the imprisoned life she is presently in.