The Handmaid's Tale

Definition

The Handmaid's Tale is a dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood, set in a totalitarian regime that has overthrown the United States government and replaced it with a theocratic society. The narrative explores themes of power, gender, and religious control, particularly through the lens of women's roles, as women are stripped of their rights and forced into servitude to bear children for the ruling class. The story serves as a modern reinterpretation of biblical stories, notably drawing parallels with the narratives of Sarah and Hagar in the Book of Genesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel was first published in 1985 and has since become a significant work in feminist literature and dystopian fiction.
2. In Gilead, women are categorized into roles such as Wives, Handmaids, Marthas, and Aunts, each with specific duties that reinforce their subjugation.
3. The story is narrated by Offred, a Handmaid who shares her experiences of oppression, longing for freedom, and memories of her past life before Gilead's rise.
4. Atwood's portrayal of Gilead draws on historical events, such as the Puritanical movements and various religious fundamentalist groups throughout history.
5. The Handmaid's Tale has inspired adaptations in film and television, notably an award-winning series that has brought renewed attention to its themes in contemporary discussions about women's rights.

Review Questions

• How does The Handmaid's Tale reinterpret biblical stories to comment on modern issues of gender and power?
  • The Handmaid's Tale reinterprets biblical narratives by drawing parallels between the characters in its dystopian society and figures from the Bible, such as Sarah and Hagar. In this context, Offred’s role as a Handmaid reflects Hagar’s experience of being used as a surrogate for Sarah. This modern retelling critiques how religious texts have been historically manipulated to justify the subjugation of women, highlighting ongoing issues of gender inequality and control in contemporary societies.
• Discuss the significance of the societal structure in Gilead as presented in The Handmaid's Tale and its implications for women's roles.
  • The societal structure in Gilead is heavily hierarchical and patriarchal, enforcing strict roles for women that strip them of autonomy. Handmaids are reduced to their reproductive capabilities, while Wives enjoy status but remain under male authority. This structure emphasizes how oppressive regimes can exploit religious beliefs to enforce gender roles, showcasing a commentary on how power dynamics shape women's lives. Through this lens, Atwood reveals the dangers of fundamentalism and the critical need for women's rights.
• Evaluate how The Handmaid's Tale reflects contemporary societal fears about women's rights and personal freedoms within a broader cultural context.
  • The Handmaid's Tale resonates with contemporary fears regarding women's rights as it serves as a cautionary tale about potential regression in gender equality amidst rising authoritarianism. With ongoing debates over reproductive rights and bodily autonomy echoing elements from Atwood's narrative, the novel serves as a warning against complacency. By illustrating the extreme consequences of losing personal freedoms through Gilead’s totalitarian rule, Atwood invites readers to critically engage with current cultural trends that threaten individual liberties.

Related terms

Dystopia: A fictional society characterized by oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society, often explored in literature as a cautionary tale.

Theocracy: A form of government in which religious leaders control political decisions and laws are based on religious doctrine.

Feminism: A movement advocating for women's rights and equality, which is a central theme in The Handmaid's Tale as it critiques patriarchal structures.