The Handmaid's Tale

Overview

• Author: Margaret Atwood
• Genre: Dystopian, Speculative fiction, Tragedy
• Published: 1985
• Setting: Near-future New England, Republic of Gilead
• Narrator: Offred, a Handmaid

Plot Summary

• Political Upheaval: The "Sons of Jacob" overthrow the US government, establishing the Republic of Gilead.
• Societal Structure: A patriarchal, theonomic state limiting women's rights.
  • Women can't own property, read, or write.
  • Women's roles are strictly categorized (e.g., Wives, Handmaids, Marthas).
• Offred's Role: A Handmaid assigned to bear children for a Commander and his wife.
• Resistance and Relationships:
  • Offred learns of the Mayday resistance.
  • Engages in a covert relationship with the Commander and with Nick, the Commander's servant.
• Uncertainty and Escape: Offred's fate is uncertain as she is taken away, possibly aided by resistance.

Themes

• Oppression of women in a patriarchal society.
• Loss of female agency and individuality.
• Resistance against totalitarian regimes.
• The societal and environmental consequences of declining birth rates.

Characters

• Offred: Narrator and Handmaid.
• Commander: Offred's assigned Commander.
• Serena Joy: Commander's Wife, former televangelist.
• Ofglen: Fellow Handmaid and resistance member.
• Nick: Commander's chauffeur and Offred's lover.
• Moira: Offred's rebellious friend.

Background and Influences

• Historical Context: Draws from trends in 1980s America and historical religious movements.
• Inspiration: Atwood's experiences and observations of societal trends and gender dynamics.
• Puritan Influence: Inspired by early American Puritans and their theocratic ideals.

Adaptations

• Film: 1990 adaptation.
• Opera: 2000 adaptation by Poul Ruders.
• TV Series: 2017 Hulu series.
• Sequel: "The Testaments," published in 2019.

Critical Reception

• Acclaimed as a "feminist 1984."
• Explores the potential consequences of existing societal trends.
• Frequently challenged and debated for its mature themes.

Significance

• Seen as a cautionary tale about the loss of rights and freedoms.
• Continues to spark discussion about gender, power, and religion.

Awards

• Governor General's Award (1985)
• Arthur C. Clarke Award (1987)
• Nominated for Nebula and Booker Prizes.

Notable Quotes

• Depicts the complex dynamics of "The Ceremony" and the societal systems that oppress women.