#14- Handmaid's Tale

"There Is a Balm in Gilead" (218).

This line is from a traditional United States African-American spiritual. It is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. The hymn as a whole describes the concept of salvation which is an idea from the New Testament. Atwood places this hymn in her novel to create a false sense of comfort. Those in charge of the society use the hymn to try to comfort others that the "balm" in their land will heal people, most likely meaning that it will heal women and allow them to give birth again. Atwood adds Moira's twist on the hymn, "There Is Bomb in Gilead" to mock this. This is important since it brings up the theme of destruction rather than healing. It suggests that the changes in the society are making things worse rather than better.

Traditional lyrics:
There is a balm in Gilead
To make the wounded whole;
There is a balm in Gilead
To heal the sin-sick soul.
Some times I feel discouraged,
And think my work’s in vain,
But then the Holy Spirit
Revives my soul again.
(Chorus)
If you can’t preach like Peter,
If you can’t pray like Paul,
Just tell the love of Jesus,
And say He died for all.
(Chorus)

Work Cited:
"There Is a Balm in Gilead." Wikipedia. 18 Sept. 2009. 31 Aug. 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/There_Is_a_Balm_in_Gilead>.