U2 Song Response

U2 Song Response

This song clearly parallels “The Handmaid’s Tale”. This is evident through Bono’s use of diction, syntax, and selection of detail; he effectively utilized words and phrases to their greatest potential. In this song U2 tells a story of a girl who suffered from oppression; at the hands of her oppressors her fire and determination diminished.
The diction Bono uses is very direct and at times harsh. He repeatedly uses the words “throw up”, “spit”, and “choke”, all of which carry a negative connotation, to describe the girl’s struggles. These words provide a rash understanding of the conflict this girl faced, and how it affected her negatively. Contrastingly, he also uses the word “dream” frequently, urging the listener to continue thinking their own thoughts and to persevere no matter what the situation.
Bono’s syntax is simple and to the point. He effectively uses choppy sentences to drive home his point, and to avoid confusion from more loquacious sentences. In his short sentences and phrasing, his words seem more important. He often uses absolutes such as can and cannot, further stressing the significance of the matter at hand. The group uses selection of detail to enhance their purpose also. The phrase, “You had fire in your soul” gives a brilliant description of the girl’s personality without being too wordy or descriptive. His longest lines in the song, “What are we going to do now it's all been said. No new ideas in the house and every book has been read…” are perhaps the most the most significant lines in the song, for they speak of the importance of education and individual thought.
This U2 song seems to parallel the life of Moira in the novel. Moira began as a fiery young woman who prided herself on her individual efforts, but after being silenced by the authorities several times, she became more subservient and less strong-willed. This seems to be the general premise of the song by U2; it seems as if Bono was familiar with the plot of “The Handmaid’s Tale” when he wrote the song.