what is a good thesis statement for the handmaid's tale

The Handmaid’s Tale

Introduction.

Welcome to the fascinating world of “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood! 📖✨ Published in 1985, this novel plunges us into the dystopian world of Gilead, a totalitarian society in what used to be the United States. Margaret Atwood, a Canadian author renowned for her remarkable storytelling and inventive narratives, explores themes of power, gender, and resistance in this gripping tale. “The Handmaid’s Tale” falls under the genre of speculative fiction , offering a chilling look at the potential consequences of political and environmental degradation through the eyes of its protagonist , Offred.

Atwood’s masterpiece has not only captivated readers but also sparked discussions on its relevance to contemporary issues. The novel has been adapted into a critically acclaimed television series, further cementing its place in popular culture. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Atwood’s work, “The Handmaid’s Tale” promises a thought-provoking journey into a world that mirrors our own in uncanny ways. Let’s dive into the heart of this literary marvel! 🌹

Plot Summary

“The Handmaid’s Tale” intricately weaves a tale of dystopia , focusing on the life of Offred, a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead — a totalitarian regime that has taken over the United States. The novel is structured around Offred’s experiences and memories, painting a vivid picture of a society plagued by environmental disasters and a plummeting birth rate.

Exposition — Offred introduces us to the Republic of Gilead, where women are stripped of their rights and reduced to their reproductive functions. The Handmaids, like Offred, are forced to live with Commanders and their wives in hopes of bearing children.

Rising Action — As Offred navigates the oppressive rules of Gilead, she recalls her past life, including her husband, Luke, and their daughter, both of whom she was separated from when Gilead came to power. She also forms complex relationships with other characters: the Commander, his wife Serena Joy, and fellow Handmaids. Secret meetings with the Commander reveal the cracks in Gilead’s façade.

Climax — The tension peaks when Offred begins a risky affair with Nick, the Commander’s chauffeur, urged by Serena Joy in exchange for information about her daughter. This affair, both a form of resistance and a grasp at fleeting moments of personal freedom, represents Offred’s rebellion against the system.

Falling Action — The discovery of a secret resistance movement, Mayday, offers a glimmer of hope. However, the precarious nature of Offred’s existence becomes ever more apparent as she witnesses the fate of those who defy Gilead’s laws, including her friend, Moira, and the tragic outcomes for other Handmaids.

Resolution — The novel concludes ambiguously. Offred is taken away by individuals in a van, which could either be her arrest by the oppressive regime or her rescue by the Mayday resistance. Atwood leaves Offred’s fate open to interpretation, reflecting on the power of hope and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tyranny.

This plot summary encapsulates the main events and the structured progression of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” highlighting Offred’s journey through a repressive regime and her pursuit of autonomy and hope amidst despair.

Character Analysis

In “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Margaret Atwood crafts characters that embody the complexities of the human condition within the oppressive regime of Gilead. Here’s a closer look at the main characters:

Offred — The protagonist , Offred, is a Handmaid assigned to a Commander and his wife, Serena Joy. Her primary role is to bear a child for them. Offred’s internal monologue reveals a woman of resilience, nostalgia , and quiet rebellion. Her memories of the time before Gilead keep her hope alive, and her relationships with other characters showcase her adaptability and strength in the face of oppression.

The Commander — Assigned to Offred, the Commander is a high-ranking official in Gilead. Despite his authoritative position, he reveals vulnerabilities in his clandestine interactions with Offred, seeking intimacy and companionship. His character highlights the hypocrisies within Gilead’s leadership and the complexities of power dynamics.

Serena Joy — The Commander’s wife, Serena Joy, is a former televangelist and advocate for traditional values that led to the rise of Gilead. Despite her position, she is rendered powerless by the state’s policies, especially regarding reproduction. Her interactions with Offred range from hostile to manipulative, reflecting her desperation and complex feelings about her role in Gilead’s society.

Nick — Nick is the Commander’s chauffeur and part of the Mayday resistance. His relationship with Offred offers her a semblance of emotional and physical escape from her oppressive existence. Nick’s character serves as a connection to the outside world and the possibility of rebellion against the regime.

Moira — Offred’s best friend from before Gilead, Moira is a symbol of resistance. Her escape attempts and ultimate fate as a Jezebel (a woman forced into prostitution for the elite) demonstrate the risks of defiance and the oppressive nature of Gilead, but also her unyielding spirit and refusal to fully conform.

This analysis provides insight into the motivations and developments of the key characters in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” showcasing their struggles, adaptations, and roles in the broader narrative of resistance and survival within a dystopian regime.

Themes and Symbols

“The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood is rich with themes and symbols that contribute to its haunting exploration of power, gender, and resistance. Let’s delve into the major ones:

Power and Control — Gilead is a society built on the foundational principles of power and control, particularly over women’s bodies and freedoms. This theme is central to understanding the mechanisms through which the regime maintains its grip on the population, using religious and political indoctrination to justify its oppressive policies.

Gender Roles — The strict delineation of gender roles underpins the social structure of Gilead, where women are categorically divided into roles such as Wives, Handmaids, Marthas, and Aunts, each with specific duties. This theme explores the reduction of women to their biological and domestic functions, critiquing the extreme patriarchal system.

Resistance and Hope — Despite the overwhelming oppression, the theme of resistance runs through the narrative . Offred’s memories of her past life, her internal defiance, and the existence of the Mayday movement highlight the human spirit’s resilience and the glimmer of hope for a different future.

The Color Red — The Handmaids’ red attire symbolizes fertility, drawing a direct line to their role as child-bearers. It also serves as a visual marker of their status and the danger they embody in Gilead’s sterile environment.

The Eye — The symbol of the Eye, representing Gilead’s secret police, embodies the state’s surveillance and the omnipresent threat of being watched. It underscores the loss of privacy and the constant fear under which the characters live.

Flowers — Throughout the novel , flowers symbolize fertility and femininity but also the natural world’s subjugation, mirroring the women’s experiences in Gilead. Serena Joy’s garden, carefully tended and controlled, reflects her own situation — a semblance of power within a confined space.

The Bible — The selective use and interpretation of the Bible in Gilead serves as a powerful tool for justification and control. It symbolizes the manipulation of religion to enforce the state’s ideology and suppress dissent.

By weaving these themes and symbols into the fabric of the narrative , Atwood not only crafts a deeply engaging story but also invites readers to reflect on the implications of power dynamics, societal roles, and the human capacity for resilience in the face of oppression.

Style and Tone

Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” is renowned for its distinctive writing style and tone , which play pivotal roles in shaping the mood and atmosphere of the novel . Let’s explore how Atwood’s choices in these areas contribute to the overall impact of the story:

Writing Style

• First-Person Narrative — The story is told from Offred’s perspective , providing an intimate and immersive experience. This perspective allows readers to connect deeply with her thoughts, feelings, and observations, making the oppressive reality of Gilead palpably felt.
• Non-linear Storytelling — Atwood employs flashbacks and memories to weave together the past and the present. This technique not only builds a rich backstory but also reflects the fragmented nature of Offred’s life and mind under the regime’s pressure.
• Symbolic Language — The use of symbols, such as the color red and flowers, adds layers of meaning to the narrative . Atwood’s language is rich in imagery, drawing parallels between the characters’ experiences and broader themes of fertility, control, and resistance.
• Economical and Precise — Atwood’s writing is marked by its clarity and precision. Each word is carefully chosen, contributing to a style that is both economical and evocative, perfectly suited to the constrained and surveilled world of Gilead.
• Reflective and Melancholic — Much of the novel is introspective, with Offred reflecting on her past and present. The tone is often melancholic, infused with longing for the freedoms and relationships lost to the regime.
• Understated Irony and Satire — Atwood subtly incorporates irony and satire, particularly in her depiction of Gilead’s official policies and propaganda . This not only critiques the regime but also highlights the absurdity and cruelty underlying its facade of righteousness.
• Tension and Fear — A pervasive tone of tension and fear mirrors the characters’ constant surveillance and the threat of punishment. This atmosphere is a testament to Atwood’s skill in creating a believable and oppressive dystopian world.
• Hope and Resilience — Despite the oppressive environment, the tone is not without hope. Offred’s acts of defiance, memories of her past, and the existence of the Mayday resistance offer glimmers of hope and resilience.

Through her distinctive style and tone , Margaret Atwood crafts a complex and immersive narrative in “The Handmaid’s Tale.” The novel’s atmosphere is charged with emotion and meaning, inviting readers to contemplate the story’s themes and the real-world issues it reflects.

Literary Devices used in The Handmaid’s Tale

Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” employs a range of literary devices that enrich the narrative and deepen the reader’s engagement with the text. Let’s explore the top 10 devices used:

• Symbolism — Atwood uses symbols extensively to add layers of meaning to the narrative . For instance, the color red, worn by the Handmaids, symbolizes both fertility and danger, while flowers represent femininity and the control over women’s bodies.
• Irony — There is a pervasive use of irony, particularly situational irony, where the society of Gilead, which claims to protect women, actually oppresses them. This irony highlights the hypocrisy of the regime.
• Metaphor — Gilead itself can be seen as a metaphor for totalitarian regimes and patriarchal societies, representing the potential consequences of extreme ideological beliefs imposed upon a population.
• Foreshadowing — Atwood subtly foreshadows events, such as the fate of Offred’s friend, Moira, and the presence of the resistance, hinting at the underlying currents of defiance and the eventual unraveling of Gilead’s control.
• Allusion — The novel is replete with biblical allusions, which Gilead uses to justify its laws and practices. These references to biblical passages about fertility and submission are twisted to legitimize the oppression of women.
• Imagery — Vivid imagery is used to create a palpable sense of the world of Gilead, from the starkness of the Handmaids’ red garments to the oppressive architecture of the Commander’s house, evoking a visceral response from the reader.
• Personification — Atwood personifies elements of nature and objects within Gilead, imbuing them with emotional weight. For example, the flowers in Serena Joy’s garden are described in a way that reflects the characters’ emotional states and desires.
• Simile — The use of simile, such as comparing the Handmaids to nuns (in their isolation and dedication to a single purpose), highlights the absurdity and tragedy of their situation, emphasizing their lack of agency.
• Juxtaposition — Atwood juxtaposes the past and present lives of her characters, particularly Offred’s, to highlight the stark differences and loss of freedom. This contrast deepens the sense of loss and nostalgia for a world that no longer exists.
• Stream of Consciousness — The narrative technique of stream of consciousness allows readers to experience Offred’s thoughts and feelings directly. This approach reflects the complexity of her internal struggle, blending memories, observations, and emotions in a way that mirrors the chaos and repression of Gilead.

By integrating these literary devices, Atwood not only constructs a compelling narrative but also invites readers to reflect on the themes of power, identity, and resistance within “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

Literary Devices Examples

Let’s examine examples and explanations for each of the top 10 literary devices used in “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood.

Foreshadowing

Personification, juxtaposition, stream of consciousness.

These examples illustrate how Margaret Atwood skillfully uses literary devices to deepen the thematic complexity of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” enhancing the reader’s understanding and engagement with the novel .

The Handmaid’s Tale – FAQs

What is the setting of “The Handmaid’s Tale”? The novel is set in the Republic of Gilead, a dystopian version of the United States, where a totalitarian regime has overthrown the government. The story takes place in the near future, depicting a society structured around the subjugation of women and enforced through religious and militaristic laws.

Who is the protagonist of “The Handmaid’s Tale”? The protagonist of the novel is a woman known as Offred. Offred is a Handmaid, a role in Gilead society where women are forced into sexual servitude in an effort to combat the declining birth rates. The narrative follows her life, struggles, and inner thoughts as she navigates this oppressive world.

What are the main themes in “The Handmaid’s Tale”? Major themes include the misuse of power, gender dynamics, the suppression of individual rights, resistance to oppression, and the distortion of religion for political purposes. The novel explores how these themes affect society and the individuals within it, particularly focusing on women’s experiences.

How does Margaret Atwood use symbolism in “The Handmaid’s Tale”? Atwood uses symbolism extensively throughout the novel to deepen the narrative’s meaning. Key symbols include the color red, representing fertility and danger; flowers, symbolizing femininity and control; and the Eye, reflecting the state’s surveillance and oppression.

Is “The Handmaid’s Tale” a feminist novel ? Yes, “The Handmaid’s Tale” is widely regarded as a feminist novel . It critiques patriarchal societies and explores the extremes of gender inequality, focusing on women’s experiences of subjugation and their struggles for autonomy and dignity within a totalitarian regime.

How does “The Handmaid’s Tale” end? The novel ends ambiguously. Offred is taken away by a van from the secret police of Gilead, known as the Eyes, or possibly by members of the Mayday resistance. It is left unclear whether her removal is for her arrest or rescue. The novel concludes with a historical note, suggesting that Gilead eventually falls, providing a broader perspective on the events Offred narrates.

Has “The Handmaid’s Tale” been adapted into other media? Yes, “The Handmaid’s Tale” has been adapted into several forms, including a critically acclaimed television series that expands upon the narrative and characters of the book. There have also been film adaptations, operas, and stage plays, demonstrating the story’s wide-reaching impact and relevance.

This quiz is designed to test comprehension of “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, focusing on key aspects such as the roles within Gilead, symbolism, and major plot points.

Identify the Literary Devices Used in This Paragraph from “The Handmaid’s Tale”:

“In the room, the light is as hazy as a dream. The Commander’s wife, Serena Joy, sits in the dimness, surrounded by the shadows of the past, her knitting needles clicking like the tick of a clock, marking time that seems to have stopped. Outside, the world continues, indifferent to the dramas that unfold within these walls.”

• Metaphor : The comparison of the light to “a dream” suggests an unreal or surreal quality to the setting , emphasizing the disconnection from reality experienced by the characters.
• Personification : The description of the world as “indifferent” personifies it, suggesting it has emotions or awareness, which contrasts the intense personal dramas inside the house.
• Simile : The knitting needles “clicking like the tick of a clock” uses a simile to compare the sound to that of a clock, emphasizing the passage of time and possibly the stagnation or the waiting inherent in Serena Joy’s life.
• Imagery : The overall vivid description of Serena Joy sitting in dimness, surrounded by shadows and the sound of knitting needles, creates a vivid image that engages the reader’s senses, painting a picture of the scene.
• Symbolism : The knitting needles and the ticking clock symbolize the passage of time and Serena Joy’s attempts to fill her time within the confines of her role and the oppressive society.

A-Level English With Miss Huttlestone

A FULL MARK ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Essay

The following essay, penned by Heidi in year 12, captures the essence of the top band – it is developed, has true voice, and supports each ambitious idea with extensive textual evidence. Heidi’s knowledge of theorists, and her passion for debate adds enviable flair to the response .

‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ is not primarily about the suppression of women but about their defiance. To what extent to you agree?

‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ is a piece of speculative fiction about both the extensive oppression of women and their attempts to defy it, however their attempts exist in accordance with the misogyny that existed in the time before Gilead and this greatly limits the effectiveness of it. As philosopher Christopher Lasch would say, their protest is incurvatus in se or turned inward. This means that the protest throughout the narrative is lacklustre and far more about the actualisation of the self than the organised movement against total oppression. Atwood’s writing in the era of Reganism, where the rights of women were being pushed back against and thus the narrative reflects the internalised misogyny that each woman possessed via social conditioning that lowers one’s ability to protest effectively. Characters who defy do so by becoming more masculine as the culture hegemonic standard is that men are strong, and women are weak that existed long before Gilead came to be. Atwood seems to say with the lack of effective protest that the suppression of women existed before, it harmed women before, and it will continue to do so unless far greater pushback is made.

Firstly, the character of Serena Joy is created such that her defiance comes from her personal brutality and masculinisation of the self. She is a character who smokes, a recurring motif seen in all protesting characters, however smoking itself is seen as a masculine trait throughout history, with instances such as the Nazi regime totally banning smoking for women when they came to power. Further, the image of a cigarette is incredibly phallic, and the fact that this phallus is used as a semiotic representor of protest reflects the nature of such an act for women. They see no other alternative but this masculine object to use as their defiance, the social conditioning from year of demonisation of feminine power stemming long before Gilead has run so deeply into the psyche that the characters look for a phallic object to protest using. Serena, in her smoking is described by Offred by putting ‘the cigarette out, half-smoked, decisively one jab and one grind’, this imagery is violent, it is the pressing of the cigarette downwards and crushing of its end. The use of the repetition of the determiner ‘one’ creates the imagery of conclusion, she has done this action before and she is used to pushing the cigarette out, she needs no further courses of action. These traits embody the stereotypical masculine, she has decisiveness and not the stereotypical questioning femininity that has been so greatly propounded by wider society. This line also relates to Offred later recognition that she must ‘steel herself’ when partaking in the ceremony, Serena seems steely here, she seems solid, she seems in practise and almost robotic. Further, the way Serena acts is told to be opposing those in in the same social class as her and Offred goes on to say that they ways she puts out her own cigarette is different to the ‘many series of genteel taps favoured by many wives’. Not only does this quote indicate that there is protest and the taking up of black-market objects across the female hierarchy, but it separates Serena and solidifies her as a far more masculine and expectation defiant character. The other wives are dainty and adhere to gender norms that were present pre-Gilead, their actions are graceful and ladylike, they are far more the ‘Angel in the House’ than Serena seems to be. In addition to this, to tap a cigarette is to remove the ash, presumably a fully smoked one, since the Wives cannot work they are reliant on their husbands for the money to buy the black-market cigarettes, yet Serena disrespects this, her cigarette is wasted. She defies the view of ‘waste not want not’. Atwood has stated previously that there are droughts and struggles to get things into the regime, but Serena does not care, her protest here is one of apathy. She removes herself from the feminine doting stereotype who cares over all small details. The character of Serena Joy is one of two opposing sides, on the one hand she is the defiant strong masculine woman who acts aggressively and appositionally, yet her protest is about becoming a man more than it is becoming a defiant individual. She is far more preoccupied with masculinising herself to remove from the expectation of women than fostering true escape from Gilead. This makes her character one entangled with both the suppression of women and the feminine and the defiance of expectation. 

Moreover, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ presents the extent that misogyny invades the self through the internalisation of Gileadean and pre-Gileadean ideas of women and stereotypes. Throughout the novel, the ideas of Gilead are presented through the character Aunt Lydia, who remains a construct within the mind of Offred until the near end of the book. In turning the character in to a construction, Atwood is able to expertly show just how pervasive and condemning misogyny is to the minds of women, just how easily it finds itself inside the heads of those it infects. She uses no quotation marks around Aunt Lydia’s remarks to emphasise the degree at which it has been absorbed into each person. ‘Yours is a position of honour, she said’ is something Offred repeats in her internal narrative within the story. This idea has embedded itself in the protagonist and she speaks of how her ‘flesh arranges itself differently’ and she is less a woman and more of a ‘cloud’. Through this metaphorical imagery, the reader is shown the degree at which Gilead breaks the psyche of women. Offred is within Gilead to the point at which it ahs changed her flesh entirely and is no longer herself, no longer bodily autonomous. To include this detail, Atwood creates the impression that the ideas of the patriarchy imbed themselves so deeply within the women subjected to them that they gain the ability to almost change their existence and self-perception entirely. A feminist reader would conclude from this that the character of Offred is one afflicted with internalised misogyny, she becomes her own oppressor and the oppressor of those around her due to her social conditioning. This is backed up by the recollection of a session within the Red Centre that was reflective of the struggle sessions of Maoist China where in abuse was shouted at a central, labelled dissident – in this case Janine. She says that ‘We meant it’, the ‘it’ in reference to the psychological attacks levied against the rape victim, yet she refuses to label it such due to well-placed shame, replacing it with a mediator, replacing it with the innocent and decent sounding ‘it’, she attempts to remove herself from her own actions. In using a collective pronoun, she is implicating the entirety of the Handmaidens who were with her in this abuse, she acts as though she understands their thoughts and in many ways she likely does as they were all put through the same cycle of abuse. It also creates the idea of togetherness and sisterhood; however, this is sisterhood that has been manufactured by the state to abuse someone, it is sisterhood that exists because of women coming together to attack another. So often in the modern media, women are pitted against one another and there seems a great manipulation to make them hate each other. This sisterhood is contrived, it is there because Gilead understands that they must give these women a slight amount of togetherness, so long as it is to attack another individual. This defiance here is a reflection of the patriarchy.

Despite this internalisation, there are many instances of the creation of distinction between us and them within the narrative. Although much of what Aunt Lydia has told Offred is presented uncommented on and internalised, we are still seen some instances of the opposition to her word such as the criticism of her cherry picking of the Bible verse ‘Blessed are the meek’ and her decision to not ‘go on to say anything about inheriting the earth’. The Bible verse blessed are the meek was debated in DH Lawrence’s novel ‘The Rainbow’ wherein his defiant female Ursula character criticized the term due to the connotation it holds that you must be poor and weak to be ‘blessed’ by God. Her character believed that this term is used to satiate the poor and those in unfortunate positions. In many ways, Aunt Lydia’s statement of this term represents that, she is trying to say that the women are weak and must stay ‘meek’ to be drawn under God’s Grace, however Offred unpicks this and criticizes her use of the term in the fact it has so clearly been cherry picked for this purpose. It is meant to satiate the handmaids, lower their drive to protest and suppress them. Yet in Offred educated background she is aware that this is not the full quote and defies expectation by finishing it herself. A reader may believe that this means she sees a life outside of Gilead, that she believes she will ‘inherit the earth’, or rather there will be some form of balance restored. The use of ‘they’ within this recital also indicates a belief in a collective of Handmaids that will work to subvert the rule of Gilead, she does not talk about herself here and rather talks about a collective of the ‘meek’ who shall take over and repossess what they have been stripped of. Further, this idea of the collective ‘meek’ being together is emphasised in the idea that comes after Ofglen’s taking of Offred into the resistance. Offred thinks ‘there is an us then, there is a we’ before going onto say ‘what about them’. These three collective pronouns create the idea that there are two groups of people in Offred’s mind and that she is separate from the regime and its agents. The ‘them’ is in reference to the state actors that exist within Gilead and their violence. Offred separates herself from the violence in the recognition of a ‘them’, she is no longer a part of what has placed others on a wall, what has murdered those around her because she is able to self-actualise and join a group, to join a ‘we’, to join an ‘us’. and while this sentiment is incredible, it is short lived and just a few pages onward Offred reverts to the personal. The chapter ends with the pronoun ‘me’ in Offred joy that she was not taken away by the Eyes. This is a sad reflection that relates to the thesis that protest within Gilead is protest governed by laws of self-actualisation and not true revolutionary action. Offred creates an ‘us’, joins it, and, due to social conditioning, leaves it at the first sign of struggle.  

Finally, the way protest within the novel creates itself is in line with the concept of inward protest rather than outward revolutionary action. This is called incurvatus in se in the words of Christopher Lasch and generally forms itself in the self-actualisation over active opposition against injustice. One example of this is the stealing of a ‘withered daffodil’ from the kitchen by Offred. The daffodil is named after the Greek myth of narcissus and semiotically reflects narcissism. For Atwood to specify this flowers breed she creates the impression that what Offred is doing is to oppose standards of beauty set out by Gilead. However, a Laschian reader would take this symbol far differently. The fact that her protest is the taking of a symbol of narcissism is a reflection of the inability to protest non-narcissistically created in the 1980s during the creation of neo-liberalism. This phenomena praised the individuals actions over anything else and thus the individual saw themselves as more important than the collective group. Atwood, writing at a time where neoliberalism was being created, places her character past in the same time line as her own and thus Offred is afflicted by the same hegemonic standard. Offred exhibits much of the narcissistic tendencies that are noted by Lasch, namely the taking without much real action and what little action that does take place being to self-actualise. Her decision to take the Daffodil was arrived at because it ‘will not be missed’, this is an example of ‘meek’ defiance, and the aforementioned internalisation of such a thing. We have seen how Aunt Lydia wanted the handmaids to be ‘meek’ and Offred still acts in this way, she still internalises her message. The daffodil is ‘withered’, it is presumably about to be thrown out, it is dying. And Offred recognises this and takes it, because this protest is about self-actualising more than it is protest. 

Overall, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ is a novel that cannot be split into the suppression of women and their defiance. It must be viewed as a conjunction of the two; how the suppression of women harms their protest, how the protest of women changes their suppression. These two concepts exist in symbiosis, the protest of the female characters is in accordance to hegemonic weakening female stereotypes, the women are forced to internalise ideas about their own gender that are near impossible to refute. 

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The Handmaid’s Tale

Introduction to the handmaid’s tale.

The Handmaid’s Tale is written by the Canadian Nobel laureate, Margaret Atwood. It was published in 1985. This dystopian novel sets a new trend in postmodern, futuristic fiction by presenting a totalitarian regime of Gilead in the United States in the aftermath of civil war, a patriarchal future government. The story revolves around the narrative of Offred, a woman heading the group of women called handmaids assigned to produce children of the state for the ruling class of commanders. The novel presents the theme of feminine individuality under patriarchal subjugation, winning Booker, Arthur C. Clark, and Nebula Awards in quick succession for Atwood.

Summary of The Handmaid’s Tale

The story revolves around Offred, a handmaid, in the state of Gilead, which is a new republic. The state has just replaced the United States with its totalitarian setup through theocratic narrative. The newly formed state was militarized, gave no rights to women making them natal slaves, and are not allowed to read or possess any property. The handmaids have been employed to produce children of the elite class on account of the low birthrate. Although Offred (addition of the prefix Of- to the first name of the man she is with) is not a wife, she serves Serene Joy and her husband, Commander Fredrick Waterford. Serena Joy is a former singer of the gospel and preaches traditional values to be adhered to in Gilead.

Offred is doing her job without showing her personality and emotions and has to copulate with the Commander at the end of her menstrual cycle every month in the presence of Serena, holding her. This restriction of freedom, however, does not span over her shopping spree, though the Eyes, the spying agency, keeps a strict watch on all handmaids to control the rebellion. Constructed of her flashbacks , the narrative moves back and forth into Gilead, the state where she had a former paramour, Luke, who married Offred a second time after divorcing his first wife to have a child from her. Although both Luke and Offred try to leave for Canada, they are caught and separated from each other to work in Gilead. Their daughter was taken away from her and sent to be adopted by the higher class.

Offred is unaware of her daughter’s whereabouts. Being a daughter of a feminist, she befriends Moira, another feminist, who is living in Gilead where excessive usage of chemicals has deprived women of fertility. The new elite class has taken over the presidential, congressional, and other seats in a coup, claiming to wield power for a brief period after imposing their agenda. Offred is, then, sent to Leah Re-education Center, for her re-education where she goes through the Gilead indoctrination to be ready for becoming a handmaid. In the supervision of Aunt Lydia, she learns to be subservient to the patriarchal set up to work on child-producing tasks, a sole task of women in this republic. She meets her former friend Moira over there but she flees the center.

After she leaves the center, she starts leading a restrictive life with the Commander and goes with Ofglen, another handmaid for shopping. She also visits the Wall which used to be Harvard University where rebels are sent to gallows. At the Commander’s house, she has to undergo medical tests as well as attend the “Ceremony” of the Bible reading by the Commander before going to bed. In the morning, she visits the doctor, Nick again, who suggests her to be pregnant with him, suggesting the infertility of the Commander. Seeing risks in this venture, she refuses after which she comes backs. Sensing something doubtful, the Commander calls not only his gardener and driver but also Offred to his study, but she finds him inviting them to play Scrabble and read Vogue. Surprisingly, these secret meetings only lead to his kissing that she endures regularly.

In her routine of shopping, Ofglen once tells her that she should join her underground organization “Mayday” which is working to replace Gilead. Following this, she finds even the Ceremony as a routine, while their nocturnal meetings have disclosed to her that the Commander is also interested in bringing a new order. Seeing no pregnancy of Offred, Serene comes forward with a suggestion of having her pregnant through Nick and pass it on as Commander’s baby, a risky venture. But she frequently starts having intercourse with Nick without anyone’s knowledge. The next night the Commander takes her to Jezebel, a club of prostitutes formerly career professionals or academics who couldn’t settle in any role under the Gilead. She finds Moira there who discloses that she was captured on the border and chose to live at Jezebel’s.

After this, she never comes across her, while she also feigns enjoying sex with the Commander despite having no interest in it. After her arrival back home, she joins hands with Serena to copulate with Nick for a child as both have agreed that the Commander is perhaps infertile. When this happens, Offred ignores requests of Ofglen about information while they participate in hanging a rapist, who was in fact the member of Mayday under the supervision of Aunt Lydia. Later it transpires that the dead was the Mayday member. When Offred leaves for shopping, she meets a new Ofglen who informs her about the suicide of the old Ofglen, stating the reason for her suicide because she saw secret police coming for her. Soon Serene comes to know about her trip to Jezebel’s and sends the Eyes after her after locking her in a room. However, Nick arrives just in the nick of time to inform her that they are the Mayday member and that they are coming to take her and she is soon with them to her unknown destination.

The epilogue of the novel shows the downfall of Gilead through the writing of a professor, James Darcy Pieixoto who discusses its novel customs and reforms. He touches on the story of Offred in his research saying that it has existed somewhere in the past and was found in the cassette tapes in Bangor. Analyzing the escape of Offred with Nick, the professor presents his inconclusive analysis, saying that she could have fled to the United Kingdom or Canada or might have been recaptured. This book is written for adults only and contains graphic descriptions that are not suitable for young readers.

Major Themes in The Handmaid’s Tale

• Power : The theme of power in The Handmaid’s Tale is presented through the regime change that Gilead has brought in the shape of a theocracy where patriarchy has taken hold of every field of life. Although it seems to Offred that the Commander has all the power, when it comes to sex and other such needs, she senses that even the Commander is a tool in some big scheme of things. Therefore, she uses the power of sexuality over others, the reason that Serena understands that the Commander has lost his carnal power after which she makes him copulate with Nick so that they could have a child. This use and abuse of power extend to the woman, making them handmaids, and to the other men, creating a force of the guardians, angels, and eyes to take care of the regime to stop it from crumbling.
• Sexuality: The theme of sexuality is clear from Offred and other handmaids how they control the commanders and other male members of this establishment. It is observed that gays and lesbians are put to death, explicit video contents and sensual clothing are abolished, while abortion has become an anathema. The compartmentalized biblical teachings have become the ethos of this system’s main narrative so that nobody should voice dissidence to cause any change. However, despite these measures, the intimate relationship of Offred with Nick in secret with the connivance of Serena, the Commander’s wife, shows that sexuality, a natural phenomenon cannot be suppressed with artificial bans and restrictions. The secret life of the Commander and his visits to Jezebel’s demonstrate the power of sexuality and how it drives the patriarchy.
• Individual and Society: The novel also sheds light on individuality, arguing the case of individuals whether the society could be preferred over an individual or vice versa . The importance of the Historical Notes in the story points out that the Gilead society has transformed due to the shortage of individuals, the reason that special circumstances have been created to produce more children despite restrictions on the show of sexuality. The regime has allowed the use of certain women to enlist them first and subsequently isolate them for sex and reproduction to increase the population. Therefore, individuality has been put on the backburner and utilitarianism has been brought forward to ensure the happiness of the largest segment of the population. In fact, this theocratic establishment has given cold logic about the individuality; be it of a man or a woman, violating their rights, the reason that handmaids, as well as the commanders, frequently violate the very rules on which the foundation of Gilead has been laid down.
• Feminism: As the title of the novel suggests that it has some feminine streak in it despite having the sense that most of the females are feeling a sense of suppression. Offred, despite her being a slave handmaid to serve the purpose of producing the children of the Commander, knows that she has the power of her own. When she finds Moira enjoying life despite her arrest and subsequent disappearance, it becomes clear that Atwood’s purpose is to show that femininity is part of life whether religious bureaucracy or the elite class likes it or not. It is also clear from Offred, the daughter of a staunch feminist, that she does not know it before the Gilead has come into being, and she considers that it would rather alienate her. Therefore, the novel presents both sides of the coin to present a balanced argument about feminism.
• Language: Language and its interpretation is another major theme of the novel in that Offred’s story shows that reinterpretation of everything is done to create the Gilead regime. Even theology is reinterpreted in new lights to create a narrative for the elite administration. Although she uses language in different ways, her thoughts about different words point to the use of language and its power. The act of playing Scrabble by Commander also shows that Offred is in confusion about language and is using it to hide her confusion.
• Fertility and Femininity: The novel shows the significance of fertility that despite being specific women having a specific role for reproduction, infertility in the upper crust of the society has become problematic. Offred could not become pregnant due to the infertility of the Commander where the femininity of Serene asserts itself in the shape of suggestion for Offred to copulate with Nick and yet she keeps it a secret. Therefore, fertility is an issue but it is not of femininity; it is of patriarchy.
• Rebellion: The novel shows that despite excessive restrictions and surveillance, there is a rebellion; first Offred rebels but is caught and sees in Jezebel’s that her colleague, Moira, who has rebelled with her is caught and thrown over there. Yet, Moira again rebels against the regime. Offred also rebels when she accepts Serena’s proposal of sleeping with Nick and she comes to know that eyes, too, are coming to save her as they are going to launch a rebellion against this oppressive regime.
• Love: The theme of love is significant in the novel that Offred often thinks about love when she loses her heart and escapes with Nick only due to her love. She also sees that it is a source of strength for her more than her colleague, Moira, or another handmaid, Ofglen. This is her love for her daughter and mother that keeps her alive in this oppression.
• Research and Storytelling: The novel shows that story could be told from a future perspective embedded in historical research. The prologue that is actually an abstract of the symposium shows that the storytelling could be made convincing by using research or likely future research about something. The remarks of Professor James Pieixoto show that this could have been real.

Major Characters The Handmaid’s Tale

• Offred: Living in the new regime of Gilead, Offred is the narrator and the main protagonist on account of the role allotted to her, as she is declared a “wanton” lady due to her previous lifestyle. Her separation from her family during her escape has transformed her into a handmaid of the Commander to live with the family including his wife, Serena, who later joins hands with her to let her copulate with Nick, their driver. As a slave name, her name connotes not only her role but also her relationship with the Commander to work as a reproduction tool for him. She narrates her story in flashbacks, including her impressions of the past and the present and the secrets of her life. As she knows the inner working of Gilead, she also knows that ‘The Eyes’ are on her to stop the Mayday, though when she senses that she is going to be caught soon, she comes to know that even the eyes are part of the Mayday. It is revealed by the end that her real name is June, but the author implies that it is left to the readers to make assumptions.
• The Commander: The Commander is one of the elite members of the Gilead establishment with a handmaid, Offred, the narrator, and his wife, Serene Joy, who connives with Offred to let her copulate with their drive. It transpires that he has been a scientist in his pre-Gilead days and has been involved in setting up the new regime. Despite his post and the ban on intellectualism, he has been involved in the word games with Offred, his handmaid with whom he is supposed to have sex for reproduction. Although Professor James Peixote speculates about his name as Fred or Frederic R., it is not sure whether he is the same person. His role in the novel is limited to his relationship with Offred.
• Ofglen: As the friend and comrade of handmaids, Ofglen is her neighbor and visits Offred often to console her about their situations. As she is a member of the resistance movement called Mayday, she is also expected to police Offred and others on account of the roles they have been allotted in Gilead. Although she is a handmaid, she is bold enough to kill a spy to stop his pain. She later commits suicide when she is caught on the suspicion of being a spy.
• Serena Joy: Serena Joy is a significant character in the novel on account of her being the wife of the Commander and a former member of the televangelists. The Gilead establishment has robbed her of her former powers and married her to the Commander to keep an eye on him. Offred has identified her role and ruminates about it with her. Although she regularly takes part in the Ceremony, a monthly ritual going on in the Gilead to make the handmaids pregnant, she also connives with Offred to sleep with Nick to make Offred pregnant, knowing that her husband is infertile.
• Moira: A close former friend of Offred, Moira appears in the novel when Offred is almost fed up with her routine life. However, her appearance is associated with resistance, as she is caught in her first attempt and disappears in the second. She hates homophobia prevalent in Gilead and appears in Jezebel’s when Offred visits it with the Commander. After that, she disappears from the scene.
• Nick: Although Nick appears for a short time. He lives with the Commander above the garage and is intimate with Offred instead of the Commander, who seems to have become infertile. Despite living with the Commander and having affiliations with the establishment, his ambiguity creates mystery around his character.
• Luke: The significance of Luke lies in his being the husband of Offred in the pre-Gilead social setup. As he has divorced his previous wife, it has become a legal injunction in Gilead due to which Offred becomes a handmaid and an undeclared wife of the Commander. Luke’s daughter is also declared illegitimate. It seems that he has succeeded in his escape to Canada after which he gets no mention in the storyline.
• Aunt Sara and Aunt Elizabeth: Both of these infertile women appear in the tale of the handmaid on frequent occasions, showing them as trainers of the handmaids. Their tasks involve training the ladies to be handmaids and work for the propagation of the human race through selected sex and reproduction.
• Janine: The character of Janine is significant in the novel in that, though, she becomes submissive, still she does not accept her routine life and threatens to overturn it any time.
• Pieixoto: The importance of the character of Pieixoto lies in his appearance in the epilogue to argue the case of the tale whether it is authentic or not. This is added to lend credence to the story of the novel.

Writing Style of The Handmaid’s Tale  

Margret Atwood adopts an introspective and nonlinear writing style for this story of Offred who ruminates on her past and present and compares them through flashbacks of her memory. Although the diction is not fully academic, sometimes as in the epilogue, it shows that it is academic, while the interspersed slangs , conversation, and occasional dialogs show it is a real story. The sentence style, structure, and length point out the fictional use of the language to suit the purpose.

Analysis of the Literary Devices in The Handmaid’s Tale

• Action: The main action of the novel comprises the story of Offred working as a handmaid. The falling action occurs when Serena Joy, the wife of the Commander, comes to know about Offred going to the club, while the rising action occurs when Offred sees that the eyes are coming not to arrest her but to help her.
• Anaphora : The novel shows examples of anaphora such as, i. A window, two white curtains. Under the window, a window seat with a little cushion. When the window is partly open – it only opens partly – the air can come in and make the curtains move. I can sit in the chair, or on the window seat, hands folded, and watch this. Sunlight comes in through the window too, and falls on the floor, which is made of wood, in narrow strips, highly polished. (Chapter-2) ii. Leave it on the porch. She said this to the Guardian, who was carrying my bag. The bag was red vinyl and not large. There was another bag, with the winter cloak and heavier dresses, but that would be coming later. (Chapter-3) iii. Perhaps he was merely being friendly. Perhaps he saw the look on my face and mistook it for something else. Really what I wanted was the cigarette. Perhaps it was a test, to see what I would do. Perhaps he is an Eye. (Chapter-4) The examples show the repetitious use of “window”, “my bag” and “Perhaps” to show the use of anaphora.
• Alliteration : The Handmaid’s Tale uses alliteration in few places which is more common in poems . For examples, i. We stood face to face for the first time five weeks ago, when I arrived at this posting. The Guardian from the previous posting brought me to the front door. (Chapter-3) ii. I would like to steal something from this room. I would like to take some small thing, the scrolled ashtray, the little silver pillbox from the mantel perhaps. (Chapter-14) Both of these examples from the novel show the use of consonant sounds such as the sound of /f/ and /s/ occurring after an interval to make the prose melodious and rhythmic.
• Allusion : The novel shows good use of different allusions as given in the below examples, i. She’s in her usual Martha’s dress, which is dull green, like a surgeon’s gown of the time before. The dress is much like mine in shape, long and concealing, but with a bib apron over it and without the white wings and the veil. She puts the veil on to go outside, but nobody much cares who sees the face of a Martha. (Chapter-2) ii. Sometimes when I couldn’t find any I would watch the Growing Souls Gospel Hour, where they would tell Bible stories for children and sing hymns . (Chapter-3) iii. It said In God We Trust . My mother said people used to have signs beside their cash registers, for a joke: In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash . That would be blasphemy now . (Chapter-28) The first example shows the reference to the Biblical story of Martha, the second to the Gospel, and the third to the American official motto of Florida state.
• Antagonist : The Gilead regime is the antagonist of the novel as it engulfs everything in it, including women and the elite class that runs it.
• Conflict : The novel shows both external and internal conflicts. The external conflict is going on between the handmaids’ desire for freedom and Gilead’s oppression, while the internal conflict is going on in the mind of Offred about her responsibilities and her role in the freedom movement.
• Characters: The novel shows both static as well as dynamic characters. The protagonist, Offred, is a dynamic character as she shows a considerable transformation in her behavior and conduct by the end of the novel. However, all other characters are static as they do not show or witness any transformation such as the Commander, Nick, Luke, or Serene Joy.
• Climax : The climax of the novel occurs when Offred comes to know that Ofglen has committed suicide instead of facing arrest.
• Epigraphs : The novel has used three epigraphs as given below, i. And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her. – Genesis, 30:1-3 ii. But as to myself, having been wearied out for many years with offering vain, idle, visionary thoughts, and at length utterly despairing of success, I fortunately fell upon this proposal … – Jonathan Swift , A Modest Proposal iii. In the desert there is no sign that says, Thou shalt not eat stones. – Sufi proverb These three examples show the use of epigraphs borrowed from different classics. The first one is from the Bible, the second from an essay by Swift, and the third is from some mystic’s writings.
• Hyperbole : The novel shows various examples of hyperboles such as its own future story as well as the epilogue such as, i. Sometimes, though, the movie would be what Aunt Lydia called an Unwoman documentary. (Chapter-20) ii. The man went inside with our passports, after we’d explained about the picnic and he’d glanced into the car and seen our daughter asleep, in her zoo of mangy animals . (Chapter-35) Both of these examples exaggerate things as the documentary to be unwoman and men going inside the passport.
• Imagery : The Handmaid’s Tale shows the use of imagery such as, i. These two are very young: one moustache is still sparse, one face is still blotchy. Their youth is touching, but I know I can’t be deceived by it. The young ones are often the most dangerous, the most fanatical, the jumpiest with their guns. (Chapter-4) ii. A small thin woman, she lies on the floor, in a white cotton nightgown, her greying hair spreading like mildew over the rug; they massage her tiny belly, just as if she’s really about to give birth herself. (Chapter-20) These two examples show images of color and touch.
• Metaphor : The Handmaid’s Tale shows good use of various metaphors as given in the examples below, i. The car is a very expensive one, a Whirlwind; better than the Chariot, much better than the chunky, practical Behemoth. (Chapter-4) ii. Nevertheless Moira was our fantasy . We hugged her to us, she was with us in secret, a giggle; she was lava beneath the crust of daily life. (Chapter-22) These examples show that several things have been compared directly in the novel such as the first shows comparing a car to a whirlwind, and the second Moira to a giggle.
• Mood : The novel shows various moods; it starts with a dark tone and move to become ironic and satirizing but ends up causing a sense of fear and terror.
• Motif : Most important motifs of the novel are religion, rape, sexual violence, and reproduction.
• Narrator : The novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, is narrated by Offred (first-person point of view ), who is also the protagonist. The novel starts with her and ends with her experiences and journey.
• Personification : The novel shows examples of personifications such as, i. Sunlight comes in through the window too, and falls on the floor, which is made of wood, in narrow strips, highly polished. (Chapter-2) ii. The carpet bends and goes down the front staircase and I go with it. (Chapter-3) iii. Two lines led downwards from the corners of her mouth; between them was her chin, clenched like a fist. (Chapter-3) iv. The sun is coming weakly through the clouds , the smell of wet grass warming up is in the air. (Chapter-22) These examples show as if the sunlight, carpet, lines, and the sun having life and emotions of their own.
• Protagonist : Offred is the protagonist of the novel. The novel starts with her entry into the story and moves forward as narrates her tale.
• Rhetorical Questions : The novel shows good use of rhetorical questions at several places such as, i. I drop my head and turn so that the white wings hide my face, and keep walking. He’s just taken a risk , but for what? What if I were to report him? (Chapter-4) ii. What if I were to come at night, when he’s on duty alone – though he would never be allowed such solitude – and permit him beyond my white wings? What if I were to peel off my red shroud and show myself to him, to them, by the uncertain light of the lanterns?  (Chapter-5) This example shows the use of rhetorical questions posed but different characters not to elicit answers but to stress upon the underlined idea.
• Setting : The setting of the novel is a fictional city in the United States that is now called the Republic of Gilead.
• Simile : The novel shows excellent use of various similes such as, i. The pregnant woman’s belly is like a huge fruit. Humungous , word of my childhood. (5) ii. It makes the men look like dolls on which faces have not yet been painted; like scarecrows, which in a way is what they are, since they are meant to scare. (Chapter-6) iii. You’ve killed her, I said. She looked like an angel, solemn, compact, made of air. (Chapter-7) These are similes as the use of the word “like” shows the comparison between different things such as between the belly and fruit, then men and dolls, and then the lady and an angel.

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The Handmaid's Tale

By margaret atwood, the handmaid's tale essay questions.

Throughout The Handmaid's Tale Offred considers the multiple meanings and connotations of specific words. What might Atwood be suggesting about the flexibility or lack of specificity of language? What does this obsession with words convey about Offred's character or situation?

How does the Gileadean government use the constant potential of surveillance to keep its citizens in line? Do you think Offred should have taken more risks to better her situation, or was she doing the best she could given the circumstances?

In an interview, Atwood said that "This is a book about what happens when certain casually held attitudes about women are taken to their logical conclusions. For example, I explore a number of conservative opinions still held by many - such as a woman's place is in the home. And also certain feminist pronouncements - women prefer the company of other women, for example. Take these beliefs to their logical ends and see what happens."

How does the world of Gilead contain elements of extremely conservative, religious beliefs, as well as elements of more liberal, feminist beliefs? Do you think Atwood accomplished her goal?

How is The Handmaid's Tale a novel about the writing process? What issues of storytelling does Offred raise in the Tale , and how does she choose to resolve or sidestep those issues?

One of the main goals of the Gilead Regime seems to be to control and regulate sex and sexuality. Do you think they succeed? Are sexual relations more ordered and "normalized" under the new regime?

When the Doctor suggests that he help Offred conceive, she rejects his offer, even though she knows she is unlikely to be caught. When Serena Joy offers to help her, she says yes almost immediately, despite her serious lack of trust for Serena Joy and the immense amount of power Serena Joy has over her. Why do you think she accepts Serena Joy's offer rather than the Doctor's?

The Handmaid's Tale is set in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and most of the buildings and landmarks mentioned throughout the novel are parts of Harvard University. Why might Atwood have chosen a major university as the headquarters of this new regime? In your answer, consider the relationship between knowledge and control.

Explain the meaning of "particicution" within The Handmaid's Tale . Did you find the particicution believable? In other words, can you imagine yourself going along with the "rules" if you were placed in a similar situation? Defend your answer with specific examples from the novel, history, and/or your own experiences.

Why is the hotel where Moira is kept known as "Jezebel's"? How does this name fit in with the Gileadean's tendency to place the primary responsibility on women for any sexual problems or deviancy?

In his keynote speech, Professor Pieixoto tells his audience that "we must be cautious about passing moral judgment upon the Gileadeans" because "we have learned by now that such judgments are of necessity culture-specific." Do you agree? Explain your critique or defense of the Gileadean rule.

The Handmaid’s Tale Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Handmaid’s Tale is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Why is the Bible kept locked up?

The Bible is kept locked up so the regime can interpret it in any way they please. They do not want people freely reading it as they could interpret it in a way that runs contrary to the state's interests.

"[The Bible] is an incendiary device: who...

The handmaids were only allowed in twos. Why?

Handmaids must always move about in twos, supposedly for protection, but really so that they can always be spied upon.

Why handmaids were only allowed in twos?

It was supposed to be for their own protection but it was really so they could spy on each other.

Study Guide for The Handmaid’s Tale

The Handmaid's Tale study guide contains a biography of Margaret Atwood, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Handmaid's Tale
• The Handmaid's Tale Summary
• Character List

Essays for The Handmaid’s Tale

The Handmaid's Tale literature essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Handmaid's Tale.

• Social Commentary in Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale
• The Roles of Women in Kate Chopin's The Awakening and Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale
• Gilead's Greatest Hits: Volume One
• Language as a Form of Power In The Handmaid's Tale
• Selfishness and Survival in The Handmaid’s Tale and 1984

Lesson Plan for The Handmaid’s Tale

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to The Handmaid's Tale
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• The Handmaid's Tale Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for The Handmaid’s Tale

• Introduction
• Plot summary

Themes and Analysis

The handmaid’s tale, by margaret atwood.

Within 'The Handmaid’s Tale' Margaret Atwood taps into several important themes.

Article written by Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

It is built around the themes of oppression/rebellion, gender roles, and religion, in addition to rebellion/hope. Other less obvious themes are storytelling and love.

The Handmaid’s Tale Themes

Storytelling.

Although it is less obvious than some of the themes in the novel, storytelling is quite important. The story is structured with Offred’s telling of her life in Gilead at the center . There are a few moments in which Offred reminds the reader of this fact, such as when she considers if anyone is ever going to hear her story. This theme is reinforced at the end of the story when Atwood concludes with “ Historical Notes on the Handmaid’s Tale ”. Here, the professor regards Offred’s story as something very much of the past, but the words he uses and a joke he tells remind the reader that it might not be so far distant.

Additionally, there is the title of the book itself, The Handmaid’s Tale . It is an allusion to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and the various “tales” that make it up. 

Oppression/Rebellion

If a story is going to make use of one of these themes, it is likely only going to be successful if it uses the other. The women, in all levels of Gilead’s society, are repressed at some level. This does not exclude the wives of the Commanders. The stories that Atwood fears in this novel, through Offred’s narration , are based around the desire to rebel or the act of rebellion itself. For example, Moira’s escape from the Red Center and Ofglen’s work with Mayday. Offred rebels in her own, less obvious way as well. She develops a relationship with Nick and brakes the rules with the Commander. 

Gender Roles 

No discussion of The Handmaid’s Tale would be complete without understanding the importance of gender roles in Gilead’s society. The government is a theocracy, based around religion, and they use that religion as an excuse to oppress and control the women who live within it. The hierarchy in their world is incredibly important. Women have lost control of their bank accounts, their homes, their families, and, most importantly, their bodies. There is a passage in the novel in which the Commander describes to Offred why Gilead was formed and what it was about feminism that offended the male population so fundamentally. He creates an excuse for controlling the women around him, although one he appears to believe, about how he felt as though he lost his purpose in life as a provider and protector.

Analysis of Key Moments in The Handmaid’s Tale

• Offred arrives at Fred and Serena Joy’s home to become their new Handmaid. 
• Offred goes shopping with Ofglen; Nick winks at her. 
• Offred and Ofglen see the Japanese tourists. 
• They go to the Wall where bodies of traitors are displayed. 
• Offred remembers Aunt Lydia’s words at the Red Center. 
• She spends time recalling her own life and Nick breaks the rules by speaking to her. 
• Offred recalls going to the doctor. 
• They participate in the Ceremony. 
• Offred steals a daffodil from downstairs and leaves it pressed under her mattress. 
• She kisses Nick and he tells her that the Commander wants to see her tomorrow in his office. 
• Offred worries about what happened to her husband, Luke. 
• Offred and the other Handmaids attend a birth and she recalls Moira’s escape. 
• The Commander and Offred play Scrabble in his office. He asks her to kiss him. 
• Ofglen tells Offred about Mayday. 
• The Commander gives Offred a magazine to read. 
• Offred recalls attempting to escape with Luke. 
• The Commander explains his feelings about gender roles to Offred. 
• The Commander takes Offred to the club for commanders. They have sex; she sees Moira. 
• Serena takes Offred to Nick so that they might have sex and conceive a child. 
• A Salvaging occurs and Ofglen disappears. 
• Serena discovers Offred went to the club with the Commander.
• Nick tells Offred that the resistance is there to take her away. 
• The Historical Notes from Professor Pieixoto conclude the novel. 

Style, Tone and Figurative Language 

The tone throughout The Handmaid’s Tale is bleak. Hope and happiness are few are far between and Offred only just makes it from day to day in her life. The entirety of her independence has been striped away from her. There are moments of nostalgia as well when Offred pines for the past and the family she used to have. 

Throughout the novel, Margaret Atwood uses a nonlinear style of writing. She jumps between the main narrative, that of Offred in Gilead, and Offred’s accounts of the past. These flashbacks provide the reader with the information they need to understand how Offred got to where she is and what happened to her family. The novel is also quite introspective. Offred spends a great deal of time analyzing her own emotions and intentions. She often thinks about the past and wonders what kind o future she’s going to have. 

In regards to figurative language, Atwood uses metaphors and similes throughout the novel in order to create the most poignant images she could. One of the most noteworthy is on page ninety-six when Offred says “We are containers, it’s only the inside of our bodies that are important” . 

Additionally, Atwood uses numerous examples of allusion. She crafted much of the novel around Biblical principles of how a woman should act. There are also quotes from the Old Testament and direct references to stories. (Such as that of Rachel and Leah). Foreshadowing and repetition are also present in the novel.

Analysis of Symbols 

The color red is one of the most important symbols in the novel. It appears throughout the story associated with the Handmaid’s, shame, sex/passion, as well as fertility. Offred even notices it, referring to it as “blood” and connecting it to the violence that Gilead creates. The color appears in the Handmaid’s clothes as well as in Serena’s garden. The tulips are also red.

Makeup is a complex symbol in the novel. It at once symbolizes felinity and the lost freedom that Offred longs for as well as control. The Commander, on the other hand, sees the women as having been liberated from makeup. They no longer have to wear it, nor do they have to think about their appearance. But, despite this, he gives Offred makeup to where to the hotel. Although Offred is not given makeup or even lotion, she does the best she can to take care of herself. She uses butter on occasion to moisturize her skin. 

Harvard University 

The University is one of the less obvious symbols in the novel. It has been transformed into a detention center out of which the Eyes, Gilead’s secret police, operate. There, bodies hang off the walls that surround the college. The Eyes even put on mass executions in front of the library. Harvard exists as a juxtaposition between the world as it used to be and the world that Gilead created. 

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The canoe glides, carrying the two of us, around past the leaning trees . . . The direction is clear, I see I’ve been planning this, for how long I can’t tell. Margaret Atwood

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89 The Handmaid’s Tale Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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📌 Most Interesting The Handmaid’s Tale Topics to Write about

👍 good research topics about the handmaid’s tale, ❓ the handmaid’s tale essay questions, 🏆 best the handmaid’s tale topic ideas & essay examples.

• The Handmaid’s Tale Literary Analysis The complex nature of the setting, therefore, influences the direction of the story in that it helps the author to sufficiently blend historical and futuristic ideal in a way seen as still relevant to the […]
• Setting’s Influence: “A Doll’s House” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” This paper focuses on the setting in the works A Doll’s House and The Handmaid’s Tale and its impact on the characters and the author’s context through the prism of the chosen historical periods, culture, […]
• Analysis of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood The Handmaid’s Tale is characterized as a feminist dystopia written in direct reaction to the growing political power of the American religious right in the 1980s.
• The Handmaid’s Tale In the book, The Handmaid’s Tale, the republic of Gilead presents a different environment with different rules from those of the former order before the conflict and establishment of a new order.
• Person vs. Society Conflict in Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” This is the best description of the person vs.society conflict; it allows the reader to understand, analyze the handmaid’s feelings and emotions, and come to a logical definition of the subject of this confrontation.
• Romantic Love in “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood With the development of the novel’s plot it becomes evident that ordinary people like Offred, Luke and the Commander will take any risks just to become inspired by a chance to love and be loved.”The […]
• Harassment Portrayal in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” The following paper analyzes the motifs and themes contributing to the described effect in order to determine the ways in which the system supports harassment at the state level.
• Social Order in “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood The creation of the society described by Margaret Atwood was influenced by a serious crisis, the cause of which was a decrease in the birth rate in the country, a violation of the structure and […]
• “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Atwood and “My Story” by Das Offred is the protagonist in the novel who struggles against all odds to maintain her identity and protect the rights of women against the oppressive regime. It is, however, prudent to note that man vs.society […]
• Visuals to Support The Handmaid’s Tale Movie Morano’s primary technique of narrow focus allowed her to focus on the characters’ emotions and perceive the terror of the polished streets and houses of Gilead.
• Subordination in “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood Therefore, the subordinate position of women in the novel is explained by the use of language techniques by Gilead, and their status was accepted by reshaping identities under this condition.
• “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood In interpreting the book, the main area of discussion will be supporting the meanings of the work whereas in evaluating the book, the focus will be coming up with the literary merit of the book […]
• Dystopias in “Animal Farm” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” In this regard, the aim of literary dystopias is to caution and warn society against the blind following of ideologies that lead to the breakdown of social order.
• “The Handmaid’s Tale” a Novel by Margaret Atwood From Offred’s accounts of their time at the Center, Moira shows a strong will to survive by maintaining her composure and emotional strength while many of the women were devastated in the life of imprisonment […]
• Society in Literature: The Handmaid’s Tale and Revolutionary Letters Overall, the main problem lies in the differences between the local legislation and the rules that Shariah banks have to follow. There are different problems that are related to the development of Islamic banking in […]
• Society Degradation: The Handmaid’s Tale and Revolutionary Letters Similar to Atwood’s story, Di Prima’s Revolutionary Letters allows the readers to go beyond the accepted paradigms in the pursuit of the truth and independence.
• The Handmaid’s Tale vs. The Country Between Us This essay will discuss two works that eloquently illustrate the dangers of totalitarianism, namely, the novel The Handmaid’s Tale written by Margaret Atwood and the book of poetry The Country Between Us by Carolyn Forche.
• Human Rights in Serial ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Freedom of choice comprises one of the constituents of a wider debate going to the society under the umbrella of human rights.
• The Oppressiveness of Myths in “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• The Government’s Destruction of Emotional Bonds in Both “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “1984”
• Comparison of “Brave New World” and “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Thoughts on Feminism and Dystopia in “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Language as a Tool of Power in “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Use of Power: “Blade Runner” vs. “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Comparing Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Laurence’s “The Fire-Dwellers”
• Totalitarianism’s Role in “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Social Commentary in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• How Successful Is “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Use of Clothing in “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
• Gilead’s Betrayal of Women in “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Themes of Humanity in “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Totalitarianism, Violence, and the Color Red in “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Imaginary Space in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Throwback Thursday: “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
• The Twisted Beliefs of Gilead in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• The Supression of Women in “The Color Purple” and “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Songs of Innocence and Experience”
• The Soviet Government, Gilead of “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Oceania of “1984”
• The Quintessence of Humanity in “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood and “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro
• How Are Women Silenced by the Patriarchal Theocracy in the Novel “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• “The Awakening” and “The Handmaid’s Tale”: The Female Perspective and Women’s Roles
• The Representation of Religion in Dystopian Fiction: “Parable of the Sower” and “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Context of Production: “The Handmaid’s Tale” as a Work of Its Time
• The Arranged Marriage and Gender Roles: The Oppression of Women in Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing”
• The Social Situation in “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Biblical References in “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• The Effects of Objectification of the Human Body in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Flightless Bird: Women and Animals in “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• The United States as a Dystopian Society in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• The Politics of Writing in “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Comparison of “Nineteen Eighty-Four” by George Orwell and “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
• “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “The Scarlet Letter” as Works of Dystopian Fiction
• Society in “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
• The Representation of the Body and Identities in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Miller’s Tale,” and “Never Let Me Go”
• The Pover of Language in “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Contextual Analysis of Gender in “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• The Depreciation of the Horror of “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Abuse of Religion in “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• How Does Atwood Present Offred’s Sense of Self in “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• How Is Corruption Shown in “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• What Does Offred Mean by “We Are Two-Legged Wombs” in “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• How Did Gilead Come Into Being in “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• What Does “The Handmaid’s Tale” Say About Feminism?
• What Is the Main Point of “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• What Is Forbidden in “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• How Does Atwood Explore the Theme of Love in the Novel “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• What Is the Central Conflict in “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• What Is the Social Issue in “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• What Are the Symbols in “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• Is “The Handmaid’s Tale” a Feminist Dystopia?
• How Does Margaret Atwood Establish and Develop a Dystopian Narrative in Her Novel “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• Why Is “The Handmaid’s Tale” Dystopian?
• How Whereas Atwood Use Clothing to Characterise in “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• How Did Offred Become a Handmaid in “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• How Is Power Presented in “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• What Do Flowers Symbolize in “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• What Is the Meaning Behind “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• How Does “The Handmaid’s Tale” End?
• What Is the Central Theme of “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• Does “The Handmaid’s Tale” Critique Feminism?
• Is “The Handmaid’s Tale” Postmodern?
• What Are the Differences and Similarities Between “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro and “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood?
• Why Is “The Handmaid’s Tale” So Important?
• How Does “The Handmaid’s Tale” Connect to the Real World?
• How Is Dystopia Portrayed in “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• What Religion Is “The Handmaid’s Tale” Based on?
• Is “The Handmaid’s Tale” Based on a True Story?
• Who Has the Most Power in “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
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Women's Roles in The Handmaid's Tale and The Awakening

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The Theme of Language and Its Power in The Handmaid's Tale

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The Handmaid’s Tale by Margret Atwood: Feminism in The Context of Dystopian World

Language's role in changing social structures in 'the handmaid's tale', the theme of survival and selfishness in the handmaid's tale in 1984, analysis of the archetypes presented in the handmaid's tale, gilead’s betrayal of women in the handmaid’s tale, the complex character of commander in the handmaid's tale, the handmaids tale novel in the historical context, the role and meaning of the titles of the cassete tapes in the handmaid's tale, the handmaid's tale about disempowerment of women, the power of manipulation the handmaid's tale, human rights for women in the handmaid's tale, the role of kindness in the handmaid's tale, moria as a symbol of hope to offred in the handmaid's tale by margaret atwood, a close analysis of gender in the handmaid's tale and a streetcar named desire, the values of dystopian literature: analysis of "the handmaid's tale" and "the road", discussion of whether the handmaid's tale is a feminist text, the role of moira in 'the handmaid's tale', atwood’s presentation of moira in the handmaid's tale, margaret atwood’s the handmaid's tale and the importance of feminism, analysis and plot summary of the handmaid’s tale by margaret atwood.

1985, Margaret Atwood

Novel; Dystopia, speculative fiction, tragedy

Offred, The Commander, Serena Joy, Ofglen, Nick, Moira, Luke, Professor Pieixoto, Aunt Lydia, Cora

One of the key influences for "Handmaid's Tale" is the feminist movement and women's rights activism. Atwood explores themes of gender inequality, reproductive rights, and the subjugation of women in a patriarchal society. The novel reflects the author's concerns about the potential consequences of eroding women's rights and the dangers of religious fundamentalism. Additionally, historical events such as the Puritan era in colonial America and the rise of totalitarian regimes contribute to the narrative of "Handmaid's Tale." Atwood draws parallels to these periods to emphasize the dangers of extremist ideologies and the erosion of personal freedoms. The novel also reflects Atwood's observations of social and political trends in her contemporary world, including the feminist backlash and conservative movements.

In a dystopian future, "Handmaid's Tale" portrays a society known as Gilead, where women's rights have been severely restricted. Offred, the protagonist, is a handmaid assigned to a high-ranking Commander and his infertile wife. Her sole purpose is to bear children for them, as procreation rates have drastically declined. Stripped of her identity and reduced to her reproductive capacity, Offred navigates her new reality, where she must conform to strict rules and endure a life of surveillance and oppression. The narrative reveals the suffocating control Gilead exerts over women's bodies and lives, as well as the indoctrination and manipulation used to maintain the regime's power. Through flashbacks and inner reflections, Offred recounts her life before the rise of Gilead and her longing for freedom. She forms clandestine connections with other characters, navigating the intricate web of secrets and betrayals that exist within the society. As Offred navigates the treacherous landscape of Gilead, she becomes entangled in acts of rebellion and defiance against the oppressive regime. The novel explores themes of resistance, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity.

The setting of "Handmaid's Tale" is a dystopian future known as Gilead, which was once the United States. Gilead is a theocratic society that has emerged after a period of political and social unrest. The novel is primarily set in the fictional city of Gilead, although specific geographic details are sparse. Gilead is a highly controlled and oppressive regime, where strict religious ideologies dictate every aspect of society. The government has taken extreme measures to enforce its authority, subjugating women and stripping them of their rights. The setting is characterized by a pervasive atmosphere of fear, surveillance, and isolation. The physical landscape of Gilead reflects the regime's values and control. Public spaces are heavily regulated, and symbols of power and oppression are prominently displayed. The Handmaids, like Offred, are assigned to live in austere households, known as Commanders' houses, where they are constantly monitored and subjected to a rigid hierarchy.

"Handmaid's Tale" explores several thought-provoking themes that resonate with readers. One prominent theme is the oppression and subjugation of women. In the dystopian society of Gilead, women are reduced to their reproductive capabilities and are subjected to a system that strips them of their autonomy, identity, and agency. This theme highlights the importance of gender equality and the consequences of patriarchal control. Another theme is the power of language and storytelling. The novel demonstrates how language can be manipulated and controlled to shape narratives and maintain social hierarchies. It delves into the ways in which language can be both liberating and oppressive, and how narratives can be used to resist or reinforce systems of power. The theme of resistance is also significant in "Handmaid's Tale." The story follows the protagonist, Offred, as she navigates the oppressive society and seeks moments of rebellion and defiance. It explores the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for individuals to resist and challenge unjust systems.

One notable device is the use of symbolism. Margaret Atwood skillfully incorporates symbolic elements throughout the narrative to convey deeper meaning. For example, the color red symbolizes both fertility and the loss of freedom for the handmaids. The handmaids' distinctive red robes represent their roles as reproductive vessels and serve as a constant reminder of their subjugation. Another literary device employed in the novel is the use of irony. Atwood uses irony to highlight the stark contrast between the purported intentions of the totalitarian regime in Gilead and the reality of its oppressive nature. The establishment of Gilead is presented as a means to restore order and protect women, yet it perpetuates their marginalization and strips them of their rights. Imagery is another powerful device in "Handmaid's Tale." Atwood's vivid descriptions create a vivid and unsettling visual landscape, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the dystopian world. For instance, the image of the wall, adorned with the bodies of executed rebels, serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences of resistance. Additionally, the narrative structure itself is significant. Atwood employs a nonlinear narrative that moves between past and present, providing glimpses into the protagonist's life before and after Gilead. This narrative device adds depth to the story, allowing for a deeper exploration of Offred's character and the societal changes that led to the rise of Gilead.

One notable representation of "Handmaid's Tale" is the critically acclaimed television series adaptation. Launched in 2017, the series has received widespread acclaim for its faithful depiction of the novel's themes and its chilling portrayal of the totalitarian society of Gilead. The series has garnered numerous awards and nominations, bringing renewed attention to the story and its relevance in contemporary society. Another representation of "Handmaid's Tale" is its presence in academic discussions and literary analyses. The novel has become a staple in literature courses, feminist studies, and dystopian fiction studies, prompting insightful academic conversations about its themes, narrative techniques, and social commentary. Furthermore, "Handmaid's Tale" has inspired artistic interpretations in various mediums. From theater adaptations to art installations, artists have explored and reimagined the novel's themes and imagery, further contributing to its cultural impact.

The influence of "Handmaid's Tale" extends beyond its initial publication, making a profound impact on literature, popular culture, and feminist discourse. Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel has become a touchstone for exploring themes of gender oppression, reproductive rights, and authoritarianism. One significant influence of "Handmaid's Tale" is its contribution to feminist literature. The novel's portrayal of a society that subjugates and controls women's bodies has sparked important discussions about patriarchal power structures and the struggle for women's rights. It has inspired feminist writers to address similar themes and explore the complexities of gender inequality in their own works. The novel's cultural influence is evident in its adaptation into a highly acclaimed television series. The show's popularity has generated widespread conversation, not only about the original story but also about contemporary social and political issues. Furthermore, "Handmaid's Tale" has influenced the discourse on reproductive rights, sparking debates and drawing attention to the importance of bodily autonomy. It has provided a cultural reference point for discussions on the dangers of authoritarianism and the potential erosion of civil liberties.

1. "Handmaid's Tale" has been translated into over 40 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide since its publication in 1985. 2. The novel has been awarded numerous prestigious literary prizes, including the Governor General's Award for Fiction in Canada and the Arthur C. Clarke Award for Science Fiction. 3. The impact of "Handmaid's Tale" extends beyond literature, as it has become a symbol of resistance and empowerment for marginalized communities. The iconic red cloak and white bonnet worn by the Handmaids have been adopted as symbols of protest in various women's rights demonstrations and political movements, emphasizing the novel's ability to inspire collective action and serve as a visual representation of dissent.

"The Handmaid's Tale" is an important and compelling subject to write an essay about due to its profound exploration of themes that remain relevant in contemporary society. By delving into topics such as gender inequality, reproductive rights, authoritarianism, and the dangers of extremism, the novel prompts critical examination and provokes discussions on pressing social issues. Through its vivid portrayal of a totalitarian society, it challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about power dynamics, the oppression of women, and the value of individual freedom. By studying "The Handmaid's Tale," students and scholars can engage in critical discourse, explore complex literary devices, and gain deeper insights into the social, political, and ethical implications of the novel.

"The moment of betrayal is the worst, the moment when you know beyond any doubt that you've been betrayed: that some other human being has wished you that much evil." "We lived, as usual, by ignoring. Ignoring isn't the same as ignorance, you have to work at it." "You can only be jealous of someone who has something you think you ought to have yourself." "We thought we had such problems. How were we to know we were happy?" "You can't help what you feel, but you can help how you behave."

1. Bacci, F. (2017). The Originality of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Children of Men: Religion, Justice, and Feminism in Dystopian Fiction. Metacritic Journal for Comparative Studies and Theory, 3(2), 154-172. (https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=594496) 2. Atwood, M. (2017). Margaret Atwood on what ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’means in the age of Trump https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/10/books/review/margaret-atwood-handmaids-tale-age-of-trump.html. The New York Times, 10. 3. Marghitu, S., & Moore Johnson, K. (2018). Feminist online responses against the US Alt-right: Using The Handmaid’s Tale as a symbol and catalyst of resistance. Communication Culture & Critique, 11(1), 183-185. (https://academic.oup.com/ccc/article-abstract/11/1/183/4953978) 4. DeKeseredy, W., DeKeseredy, A. & DeKeseredy, P. (2021). 6. Understanding The Handmaid’s Tale: The Contribution of Radical Feminism. In J. Grubb & C. Posick (Ed.), Crime TV: Streaming Criminology in Popular Culture (pp. 82-95). New York, USA: New York University Press. (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.18574/nyu/9781479804368.003.0007/pdf#APA) 5. Bazin, N. T. (1991). Women and revolution in dystopian fiction: Nadine Gordimer's July's People and Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale. In J. M. Crafton (Ed.), Selected essays: International conference on representing revolution 1989 (pp. 115-127). West Georgia College. (https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/english_fac_pubs/141/) 6. Lois Feuer (1997) The Calculus of Love and Nightmare: The Handmaid's Tale and the Dystopian Tradition, Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction, 38:2, 83-95. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00111619.1997.10543167?journalCode=vcrt20) 7. Neuman, S. (2006). ‘Just a Backlash’: Margaret Atwood, Feminism, and The Handmaid's Tale. University of Toronto Quarterly, 75(3), 857-868. (https://www.utpjournals.press/doi/abs/10.3138/utq.75.3.857?journalCode=utq) 8. Xie, J. (2021). Symbolism of Flowers in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. Open Access Library Journal, 8(7), 1-8. (https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=110737) 9. Staels, H. (1995). Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale: resistance through narrating. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00138389508598988?journalCode=nest20) 10. Miner, M. (1991). " Trust Me": Reading the Romance Plot in Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale. Twentieth Century Literature, 37(2), 148-168. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/441844)

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The Handmaid’s Tale

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Gender Roles

Gilead is a strictly hierarchical society, with a huge difference between the genders. As soon as the Gileadean revolutionaries take over after terrorism destroys the US government, they fire all women from their jobs and drain their bank accounts, leaving Offred desperate and dependent. Luke , however, doesn’t seem so furious at this turn of events, a subtle suggestion that even good men may have embedded misogynistic attitudes, and that Gilead merely takes these common…

Religion and Theocracy

Gilead is a theocracy, a government where church and state are combined. Religious language enters into every part of the society, from Rita ’s position as a Martha, named for a New Testament kitchen worker, to the store names like Milk and Honey. And religion, specifically the Old Testament, is also the justification for many of Gilead’s most savage characteristics. Offred ’s job as Handmaid is based on the biblical precedent of Rachel and Leah…

Fertility is the reason for Offred ’s captivity and the source of her power, Gilead’s major failing and its hope for the future. Inhabitants of Gilead give many reasons for the society’s issues with creating viable offspring: the sexual revolution and birth control, pollution, sexually transmitted diseases. And the book hints at other, more subtle problems: in a society that restricts women so much, treating the potential child-bearers alternately as precious objects, bothersome machines, and…

Every major character in the story engages in some kind of disobedience against Gilead’s laws. Moira rebels most boldly, disguising herself and managing to escape from the Handmaids’ imprisonment, though her daring escape proves futile, and she ends up at Jezebel’s, resigned to her fate. Ofglen ’s rebellion is more community-minded, since she works as part of an organized resistance, although her careful plotting also ends badly. More unexpected are the small-scale rebellions from the…

Despite Offred ’s general passivity in the face of the oppressive society, she has a deep and secret source of strength: her love. Though love might keep Offred complacent, permitting her to daydream rather than to rebel outright, it’s also responsible for the book’s greatest triumph, as love drives Nick to help Offred escape, which she manages more effectively than Moira or Ofglen . Her love for her mother , her daughter , Luke …

Storytelling and Memory

The structure of The Handmaid’s Tale is characterized by many different kinds of storytelling and fiction-making. For one, the title itself, and the fictional “Historical Notes on the Handmaid’s Tale” of the book’s end, frame the entire novel as Offred ’s story, that she’s said into a tape recorder in the old fashioned storytelling tradition. For another, her whole story is also punctuated by shorter stories she tells herself, of the time before Gilead or…