The Handmaid's Tale

Definition

The Handmaid's Tale is a dystopian novel written by Margaret Atwood, published in 1985, that depicts a totalitarian society called Gilead, where women's rights are severely restricted, and they are reduced to their reproductive functions. The story is narrated by Offred, a handmaid who is forced to bear children for the ruling class. This novel reflects the anxieties of post-war literature, particularly regarding gender roles, totalitarianism, and individual autonomy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Handmaid's Tale was inspired by Atwood's concerns about the erosion of women's rights during the 1980s, particularly in the context of political and religious conservatism.
2. Gilead's society strips women of their identities, assigning them roles based on their reproductive capabilities, highlighting themes of oppression and control.
3. The novel uses biblical references to legitimize its patriarchal regime, showcasing how religion can be manipulated to justify authoritarian rule.
4. Atwood's narrative style includes flashbacks that reveal Offred's past life, providing a stark contrast to her current situation and deepening the reader's understanding of her loss of freedom.
5. The Handmaid's Tale has gained renewed relevance in modern discussions about women's rights and bodily autonomy, often referenced in contemporary feminist movements.

Review Questions

• How does Atwood use the character of Offred to explore themes of identity and autonomy in The Handmaid's Tale?
  • Offred serves as a powerful lens through which Atwood examines identity and autonomy in Gilead. Her narrative reveals the impact of totalitarian rule on personal identity, as she struggles to maintain a sense of self amidst extreme oppression. By sharing her memories of a time when she had freedom, Offred illustrates the profound loss experienced under Gilead's regime, emphasizing the importance of personal agency in defining one's identity.
• Discuss the role of religion in legitimizing the societal structure within Gilead as presented in The Handmaid's Tale.
  • Religion plays a crucial role in legitimizing Gilead's oppressive societal structure. The regime uses selective interpretations of biblical texts to justify its subjugation of women and the enforcement of strict roles. This manipulation highlights how religious ideology can be co-opted by those in power to maintain control and suppress dissent, revealing the dangers of intertwining state authority with religious doctrine.
• Evaluate how The Handmaid's Tale reflects post-war anxieties about gender and power dynamics, considering both its historical context and its contemporary relevance.
  • The Handmaid's Tale reflects post-war anxieties regarding gender and power dynamics by depicting a future where women's rights are drastically regressed in response to societal fears. This portrayal resonates with historical events from the 1980s, when conservative movements sought to restrict women's rights. Additionally, its contemporary relevance is evident as modern feminist movements draw parallels between Atwood's dystopian world and ongoing struggles for women's autonomy. This evaluation underscores how literature can serve as a critical commentary on social issues that transcend time.

Related terms

Dystopia: A fictional society characterized by oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society, often used to explore social and political structures.

Totalitarianism: A political system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life.

Feminism: A movement advocating for women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.