Writing Style
The writing style of The Handmaid's Tale follows the idea of presenting the reader with a large quantity of information in the beginning and slowly enlightening the reader as the story progresses. In the first chapter alone, over 10 names are given without any background to their significance. It is also revealed in the final "chapter" of the novel that the misordered sections are actually placed that way purposely. The final chapter in itself is an interesting style choice as well. The chapter is separated from the rest of the book's events by several hundred years and in this section, a supposed college speaker reflects on the events and gives light to more aspects about the events, even mentioning the fate of the main character. In this story, Atwood uses a writing style that focuses mainly on the timing of the presentation of information.
Themes
Role of women in society
In The Handmaid's Tale, all women capable of producing children are drafted into the life as a Maid, where the woman's job is only to have a child. Those not fortunate enough to reach this status are either shipped off to work in the Colonies, a virtual death sentence, or work as a Martha( a sort of housekeeper/ servant). Woman have no choices, are forbidden to read, and may not do anything without a man's permission. At first, it appears that all women obey these rules, though this view is quickly dispelled as the reader moves further into the story. The novel initially begin as an anti-feminist piece and ironically become a tribute to the strength of women.
Negative impact of religion
Religion in this novel is depicted in a warped and extremist manner. Homosexuals, doctors, Baptists, and many others are persecuted by a religious group the appears to be Christian and is known only as the Republic of Gilead. Sexual infidelity is also a crime that, if caught, can warrant the death penalty. Gilead uses verses from the Old Testament to justify their laws and in that way, often taking the quotes very literally. For example, "And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her" is the verse from Genesis that Gilead uses to justify the practice of having Maids. Religion, in the hands of the Gilead Empire, is a tool used to subjugate its people and to justify actions that are cruel.
Role of sex in society
Sex in Gilead is supposed to be a very sterile act, devoid of any affection and only used for purposes of reproduction. Maids have sex with Commanders to have children and the children that are the fruit of this are given to the Commander's Wives to be raised. Marthas, Aunts, and other infertiles must remain celibate. The Republic of Gilead essentially tries to remove affection and fun from sex, in doing this they remove one of the most prominent recreations. On the surface, it appears that they were successful. However, a club known as Jezebel's still exists for the elite Commanders. Jezebel's is an old resort turned into a sort of brothel that is home to the rejected women who wouldn't assimilate into the Gilead lifestyle. They are rebels who broke one too many rules and must now live life out as prostitutes in a club that, according to the law, shouldn't exist.
In The Handmaid's Tale, all women capable of producing children are drafted into the life as a Maid, where the woman's job is only to have a child. Those not fortunate enough to reach this status are either shipped off to work in the Colonies, a virtual death sentence, or work as a Martha( a sort of housekeeper/ servant). Woman have no choices, are forbidden to read, and may not do anything without a man's permission. At first, it appears that all women obey these rules, though this view is quickly dispelled as the reader moves further into the story. The novel initially begin as an anti-feminist piece and ironically become a tribute to the strength of women.
Negative impact of religion
Religion in this novel is depicted in a warped and extremist manner. Homosexuals, doctors, Baptists, and many others are persecuted by a religious group the appears to be Christian and is known only as the Republic of Gilead. Sexual infidelity is also a crime that, if caught, can warrant the death penalty. Gilead uses verses from the Old Testament to justify their laws and in that way, often taking the quotes very literally. For example, "And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her" is the verse from Genesis that Gilead uses to justify the practice of having Maids. Religion, in the hands of the Gilead Empire, is a tool used to subjugate its people and to justify actions that are cruel.
Role of sex in society
Sex in Gilead is supposed to be a very sterile act, devoid of any affection and only used for purposes of reproduction. Maids have sex with Commanders to have children and the children that are the fruit of this are given to the Commander's Wives to be raised. Marthas, Aunts, and other infertiles must remain celibate. The Republic of Gilead essentially tries to remove affection and fun from sex, in doing this they remove one of the most prominent recreations. On the surface, it appears that they were successful. However, a club known as Jezebel's still exists for the elite Commanders. Jezebel's is an old resort turned into a sort of brothel that is home to the rejected women who wouldn't assimilate into the Gilead lifestyle. They are rebels who broke one too many rules and must now live life out as prostitutes in a club that, according to the law, shouldn't exist.
Characters
Offred- The main character whose story is told in first person. Offred is her Maid name and her real name remains ambiguous. Offred remember much of her life before the Gilead takeover, including a husband and daughter that are never seen in the story. It is Offred's recounts of old that give the reader insight into how the Republic took over the US and what they have done since then. Without these recounts, much of the story would have been confusing and meaningless. Her fate that the end of the story is unknown.
Moira- A friend to Offred in the old days. She is described as a headstrong female with good mechanical skills that allowed her to escape from a life as a Maid. In Offred's memories, she tried to escape multiple times and was punished severely each time. Atwood never goes into detail except that the torture involves some mutilation of the feet, like a slave owner trying to keep his slaves from running away. Moira is later discovered as a prostitute in Jezebel's, her spirit broken and her will to fight gone.
Aunt Lydia- One of the "Aunts" in Gilead. The Aunts are in charge of training Maids and handle the punishment of them as well. Lydia in particular is prominent in Offred's memories with sayings abut women's duties and her harsh manner. Lydia is the one that punished Moira and it is revealed that she is a sadist.
Ofglen- Offred's law-mandated shopping partner. It is revealed later the Ofglen is connected to the rebel network and hates the Republic. She commits suicide at the end of the book when she realizes the government has discovered her traitor status.
The Commander- The man whom Offred is required to serve. He is later discovered to collect rare and illegal items such as magazines and books. He invites Offred to join him for an unlawful game of scrabble many times, though only when his wife is away. He is a frequent at Jezebel's and is a bit of a pervert.
Serena Joy- She is the Commander's Wife and the lady of the house. Wives are the only women with any power other than the Aunts in the novel. Serena Joy was a celebrity in the old US but is now old and withering. She resents Offred's presence in her house. She and her husband have a very rocky and barely habitable relationship.
Nick- A sort of mechanic/groundskeeper for the household. He later becomes an illegal lover to Offred after Serena Joy suggests Offred have a child with him rather than the Commander. In the last few pages it is revealed that Nick was an Eye, a sort of spy for the Republic.
Moira- A friend to Offred in the old days. She is described as a headstrong female with good mechanical skills that allowed her to escape from a life as a Maid. In Offred's memories, she tried to escape multiple times and was punished severely each time. Atwood never goes into detail except that the torture involves some mutilation of the feet, like a slave owner trying to keep his slaves from running away. Moira is later discovered as a prostitute in Jezebel's, her spirit broken and her will to fight gone.
Aunt Lydia- One of the "Aunts" in Gilead. The Aunts are in charge of training Maids and handle the punishment of them as well. Lydia in particular is prominent in Offred's memories with sayings abut women's duties and her harsh manner. Lydia is the one that punished Moira and it is revealed that she is a sadist.
Ofglen- Offred's law-mandated shopping partner. It is revealed later the Ofglen is connected to the rebel network and hates the Republic. She commits suicide at the end of the book when she realizes the government has discovered her traitor status.
The Commander- The man whom Offred is required to serve. He is later discovered to collect rare and illegal items such as magazines and books. He invites Offred to join him for an unlawful game of scrabble many times, though only when his wife is away. He is a frequent at Jezebel's and is a bit of a pervert.
Serena Joy- She is the Commander's Wife and the lady of the house. Wives are the only women with any power other than the Aunts in the novel. Serena Joy was a celebrity in the old US but is now old and withering. She resents Offred's presence in her house. She and her husband have a very rocky and barely habitable relationship.
Nick- A sort of mechanic/groundskeeper for the household. He later becomes an illegal lover to Offred after Serena Joy suggests Offred have a child with him rather than the Commander. In the last few pages it is revealed that Nick was an Eye, a sort of spy for the Republic.
Major Plot Points
A- The major characters are introduced. Offred and Ofglen venture on their first shopping trip which reveals the setting as well as major shops and landmarks such as The Wall, where victims of hangings are placed on display.
B- Offred's memories tell the story of how Gilead took over and the changes that happened as time moved on.
C- The Commander calls Offred into his office for the first time. The meetings continue to occur for awhile, each time the Commander requires Offred to "kiss him like she means it", before she departs.
D- The Commander and Offred's final foray together. He dresses Offred up and escorts her to Jezebel's, supposedly as a way for her to get out and enjoy herself. There she meets Moira and discovers the existence of the Undergroundfemaleroad, an organization specifically designed to help smuggle women out of Gilead.
E- The Salvaging takes place,in which three women are hung for crimes unnamed, though most Maids guess that infidelity was the main reason. Offred beings to worry because her ventures with the Commander would result in her being hanged many times over.
F- Serena Joy lets Offred know that she is aware and outraged at what Offred and the Commander have been doing.
G- Offred sees the Eye truck coming to take her away and she considers suicide like Ofglen did. At the last minute, Nick approaches her and says to trust him and get in the truck. She agrees.
H- The main story has concluded and now a college professor reveals that the whole story was the product of he and his colleague putting together the old tapes of a woman the lived in the Gilead Republic.
B- Offred's memories tell the story of how Gilead took over and the changes that happened as time moved on.
C- The Commander calls Offred into his office for the first time. The meetings continue to occur for awhile, each time the Commander requires Offred to "kiss him like she means it", before she departs.
D- The Commander and Offred's final foray together. He dresses Offred up and escorts her to Jezebel's, supposedly as a way for her to get out and enjoy herself. There she meets Moira and discovers the existence of the Undergroundfemaleroad, an organization specifically designed to help smuggle women out of Gilead.
E- The Salvaging takes place,in which three women are hung for crimes unnamed, though most Maids guess that infidelity was the main reason. Offred beings to worry because her ventures with the Commander would result in her being hanged many times over.
F- Serena Joy lets Offred know that she is aware and outraged at what Offred and the Commander have been doing.
G- Offred sees the Eye truck coming to take her away and she considers suicide like Ofglen did. At the last minute, Nick approaches her and says to trust him and get in the truck. She agrees.
H- The main story has concluded and now a college professor reveals that the whole story was the product of he and his colleague putting together the old tapes of a woman the lived in the Gilead Republic.
Dystopian Archetype
The opposite of utopian, a dystopian world in one in which society is in a controlled and repressive state but is called a paradise by those at its head. The Republic of Gilead fits into this category almost perfectly. In Gilead, there are very few TV choices but the ones that exist only recount the battles that the Gilead army has won. On screen, scenes of victory and defeated opponents are most prominent. Offred herself even remarks at one point that the TV never makes any negative comments toward the Republic. The government makes every possible effort appear flawless, unquestionable. To the average tourist( yes, those are still allowed to some degree) everyone appears happy and satisfied with their new life. The real reason behind this forced mask of smiles are the Eyes, a secretive group of government spies designed to apprehend anyone suspected of treason.
This is only a small portion of the measures taken to keep the true face of Gilead hidden. The Republic also indoctrinates its citizens to believe its laws on pain of torture or death. If a citizen were to actually tell one of the tourists their feelings, it would only moments before an Eye would appear to take them away. The Eye would then proceed to inform the tourist that that person wasn't sane and that their mind was out of step. Hidden cameras and microphones lurk everywhere, leaving no location safe for private conversation.
Despite this, Gilead officials report that this environment is vastly superior to anything else in the world. For example, Maids in training were often shown videos of violent porn made back in the days of the US. The Aunts explain that the treatment of these women in the videos was the average back then. They stress that women now are much better off and safer from these gruesome roles.What they don't mention is that in this trade-off, all women must give up nearly all their freedoms. Different religious sects are often the war adversaries of the Republic and to garner support for their side, Gilead portrays all other religions as gruesome barbarians who are misled and incorrigible. In the Republic Gilead, everything looks perfect, so long as you don't delve too far beneath its exterior.
This is only a small portion of the measures taken to keep the true face of Gilead hidden. The Republic also indoctrinates its citizens to believe its laws on pain of torture or death. If a citizen were to actually tell one of the tourists their feelings, it would only moments before an Eye would appear to take them away. The Eye would then proceed to inform the tourist that that person wasn't sane and that their mind was out of step. Hidden cameras and microphones lurk everywhere, leaving no location safe for private conversation.
Despite this, Gilead officials report that this environment is vastly superior to anything else in the world. For example, Maids in training were often shown videos of violent porn made back in the days of the US. The Aunts explain that the treatment of these women in the videos was the average back then. They stress that women now are much better off and safer from these gruesome roles.What they don't mention is that in this trade-off, all women must give up nearly all their freedoms. Different religious sects are often the war adversaries of the Republic and to garner support for their side, Gilead portrays all other religions as gruesome barbarians who are misled and incorrigible. In the Republic Gilead, everything looks perfect, so long as you don't delve too far beneath its exterior.
Color Symbolism
In A handmaid's Tale, everyone seems to be classified by colors. Below is a role in Gilead society and the color attached to it.
Maid- Red is commonly associated with passion and sexuality. This is ironic given that the Gilead empire is supposed to be rid of any sort of sexual desire. It is also fitting because if there was any symbol of sex in Gilead, it would be the Maids, whose only purpose is for sex and children.
Martha- Green called the color of generosity as well as misfortune and envy. As the housekeepers and cooks of the estate, the ideal personality of a Martha would be generous and nurturing. However, Marthas are in their position because they are infertile and from this you can see jealousy from both Cora and Rita, the Marthas of Offred's house.
Commander's Wives- Blue symbolizes security, cleanliness, order, stability, and tranquility. As the ceremonial head of the house, a Commander's Wife is in change of running the household and tending to it. Blue is a fitting color for the Wives because of the order they try to instill within their jurisdiction.
Aunts- Grey is used to stand for conservatism, practicality, modesty, and reliability. These are some of the traits that an Aunt is supposed to epitomize in Gilead society. They are supposed to be the model of a perfect Republic woman that passes on their values to the next generation.
Commanders(Black)- Black is the typical symbol of power and in this novel, no character is more powerful than a Commander. These men have proven themselves in combat and other ventures and have risen to this status. Their word in nearly unquestionable.
Maid- Red is commonly associated with passion and sexuality. This is ironic given that the Gilead empire is supposed to be rid of any sort of sexual desire. It is also fitting because if there was any symbol of sex in Gilead, it would be the Maids, whose only purpose is for sex and children.
Martha- Green called the color of generosity as well as misfortune and envy. As the housekeepers and cooks of the estate, the ideal personality of a Martha would be generous and nurturing. However, Marthas are in their position because they are infertile and from this you can see jealousy from both Cora and Rita, the Marthas of Offred's house.
Commander's Wives- Blue symbolizes security, cleanliness, order, stability, and tranquility. As the ceremonial head of the house, a Commander's Wife is in change of running the household and tending to it. Blue is a fitting color for the Wives because of the order they try to instill within their jurisdiction.
Aunts- Grey is used to stand for conservatism, practicality, modesty, and reliability. These are some of the traits that an Aunt is supposed to epitomize in Gilead society. They are supposed to be the model of a perfect Republic woman that passes on their values to the next generation.
Commanders(Black)- Black is the typical symbol of power and in this novel, no character is more powerful than a Commander. These men have proven themselves in combat and other ventures and have risen to this status. Their word in nearly unquestionable.