Essays on The Handmaid's Tale

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."

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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)
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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)