“The Handmaid’s Tale” has become one of the most iconic works of dystopian fiction, sparking debates, discussions, and even protests since its publication in 1985. Margaret Atwood’s chilling vision of a future society that uses religion as a tool of oppression still resonates with readers today, decades after it was written. But what is the story behind What is the Story Behind The Handmaid Tale?, and why does it continue to be so relevant? In this article, we’ll dive into the origins of this gripping tale, the life of its author, its deeper meanings, and the cultural impact it’s had since its release.
A Dystopian Tale That Hits Close to Home
Atwood’s tale is set in the Republic of Gilead, a totalitarian society where women are stripped of their rights and reduced to mere vessels for reproduction. With fertility rates plummeting and a patriarchal system in place, the Handmaids – women forced to bear children for the elite – are the main characters of the story. But it’s not just a bleak story about a far-off world; it holds up a mirror to our own society.
The societal themes explored, such as the regulation of women’s bodies, control through religion, and authoritarian rule, are ever-present in contemporary discourse, making The Handmaid’s Tale not just a work of fiction but a cautionary tale with modern-day relevance.
About the Author: Margaret Atwood
A Glimpse into Her Background
Margaret Atwood is a Canadian novelist, poet, literary critic, and essayist whose writing spans a variety of genres. Born in 1939, Atwood’s sharp observations of society have made her one of the most respected literary figures of our time. While she’s authored numerous works, The Handmaid’s Tale stands as her most famous, catapulting her into global recognition.
Atwood’s Literary Legacy
Atwood’s work has consistently explored themes of power, gender, and societal structures, and she is known for her ability to weave speculative fiction with poignant social commentary. Her legacy includes both her immense contribution to literature and her advocacy for social change.
The Birth of the Book (1985)
The World in the 1980s
When The Handmaid’s Tale was published in 1985, the world was at a crossroads. The 1980s were marked by political upheaval, religious fundamentalism, and the rise of feminist movements. Atwood wrote the book in this climate, drawing inspiration from the shifting tides of power in the world.
What Drove Atwood to Write It?
Political and Social Influences
Atwood was deeply influenced by political changes in both North America and abroad. The rise of Reaganomics, the growing influence of the religious right in politics, and the ongoing feminist movement all shaped the world Atwood envisioned in Gilead. She wanted to explore the dangers of extremism, the erosion of rights, and the power structures that often go unnoticed.
Historical Realities Reflected
Atwood drew from real historical events, such as the rise of totalitarian regimes, the use of religion as a political tool, and women’s struggles for autonomy. The novel is filled with historical allusions that connect Gilead’s world to both the past and present.
Welcome to Gilead: A Totalitarian Theocracy
The Rise of Gilead
Gilead is born out of the ashes of the United States. Following economic collapse, environmental disasters, and declining fertility, a militaristic theocracy rises to power. The government uses its strict interpretation of biblical law to justify the subjugation of women and the creation of a rigid social structure.
Collapse of the U.S. Government
The fall of the United States is key to understanding Gilead. As the country unravels, a group of militarized leaders seize power and impose a totalitarian regime in the name of preserving society. This new government, with its religious rhetoric, casts aside individual freedoms for the sake of “order.”
Religious Extremism Takes Over
Gilead’s government uses a fundamentalist interpretation of Christianity to justify its actions. Religion is twisted to enforce rigid gender roles, and women are reduced to their reproductive functions. This religious extremism serves as a form of control, ensuring that the government’s dictates are followed without question.
Classes in Gilead
Gilead is a society built on rigid class divisions. The elite Commanders hold power, while women are subjugated into various roles.
Commanders
The Commanders are the powerful men who control Gilead. They dictate the fate of everyone, especially women, and they benefit from the oppression of others.
Wives
Wives are the women married to the Commanders. Their primary role is to bear children, but they are often powerless and subordinated within the system.
Aunts
Aunts are women who oversee and indoctrinate the Handmaids. They are part of the regime, but they still wield a certain amount of power.
Handmaids
Handmaids are fertile women forced into reproductive servitude. Their sole purpose is to have children for the Commanders, and they face ritualized abuse known as the Ceremony.
Marthas and Econowives
Marthas are women who perform domestic duties, while Econowives are women married to lower-ranking men. Both groups play pivotal roles in Gilead’s social structure.
Handmaids: Forced Fertility in a Broken World
Why Fertility Became Power
In a world where infertility is widespread, fertility becomes the most important commodity. Handmaids, whose only function is reproduction, are both revered and despised. Their bodies are considered state property.
Ceremony: The Ritualized Abuse
The Ceremony is a ritualized form of rape, where the Handmaid is forced to conceive a child for the Commander while the Wife holds her hands. This grotesque ritual highlights the commodification of women’s bodies.
Offred: A Voice of Resistance
Who She Was Before
Before Gilead, Offred was a woman with a life, a family, and a name. Her transformation into a Handmaid symbolizes the loss of identity and autonomy that women face in oppressive systems.
Offred’s Inner World
Despite the oppressive system, Offred’s internal monologue reveals her resistance. She remembers her past, loves deeply, and holds onto small acts of rebellion that allow her to retain a sense of herself.
The Risky Acts of Rebellion
Offred’s resistance comes in subtle forms, from secret meetings to small acts of defiance. Her rebellion is not one of overt violence but of preserving her humanity in a world that wants to strip her of it.
Powerful Themes That Resonate
Gender Inequality and Patriarchy
Atwood’s novel is a stark exploration of how patriarchy can oppress women by limiting their autonomy. The Handmaids, while at the center of the story, are emblematic of a broader societal issue: the control of women’s bodies.
Freedom vs. Control
Gilead’s society is built on control. Offred’s journey shows the importance of personal freedom and the lengths one will go to preserve it. The struggle between freedom and control is at the heart of the novel’s tension.
Religious Manipulation
The regime in Gilead uses religion to manipulate and justify their oppressive laws. Atwood highlights the dangers of religious extremism and how it can be weaponized for political control.
Loss of Identity
Identity is something Gilead’s system seeks to erase, especially for women. Names are replaced by patronymics, and individuality is crushed in favor of conformity.
From Page to Screen: The TV Adaptation
Hulu’s Hit Series (2017-Present)
The TV adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale took Atwood’s vision and expanded it, bringing new audiences to the story. With Elisabeth Moss portraying Offred, the series has gained critical acclaim for its stunning visuals and timely social commentary.
Major Plot Expansions
Exploring Other Characters
The TV show goes beyond the perspective of Offred, exploring other characters’ storylines, which adds depth to the world of Gilead.
Flashbacks and Timelines
The series introduces flashbacks to Offred’s life before Gilead, deepening viewers’ understanding of the loss she endures. The timeline also shifts, expanding the scope of the narrative.
Book vs. Show: Key Differences
While the series remains true to the novel, there are key differences. The show adds new characters, plotlines, and even a glimpse into the fate of other Handmaids, giving it a broader perspective.
Symbolism in The Handmaid’s Tale
Red Cloaks and White Bonnets
The red cloaks and white bonnets of the Handmaids have become symbols of resistance and oppression. The clothing serves to strip away individuality, turning women into faceless tools of the state.
Eyes, Wings, and Walls
Symbols like “Eyes” (spies), “Wings” (Guardians), and the constant imagery of walls all serve to show Gilead’s surveillance state, where privacy is nonexistent.
Names and Identity Loss
In Gilead, names are stripped away, and women are given the names of their male masters. This represents the loss of autonomy and identity.
The Testaments: A Sequel Worth Reading
Set Years Later
Atwood’s sequel, The Testaments, picks up the story years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale. It offers a new perspective and answers some lingering questions about the future of Gilead.
New Voices, Same Brutality
While the new narrative introduces fresh characters, the harsh realities of Gilead remain the same. The sequel is a continuation of the themes of oppression and resistance.
Real-World Impact and Relevance
Feminist Iconography
The Handmaid’s Tale has become a symbol of feminist resistance. Its imagery is used worldwide in protests advocating for women’s rights.
Political Protests Worldwide
From the Women’s March to protests in Argentina, the red cloaks and white bonnets have become symbols of political dissent against the erosion of women’s rights.
The Phrase “Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum”
The phrase, which translates to “Don’t let the bastards grind you down,” has become an anthem for those fighting against oppression.
Why The Story Still Matters
Modern-Day Parallels
The story of Gilead still resonates because of the modern-day parallels to political systems that limit personal freedoms, especially for women.
A Warning We Shouldn’t Ignore
Atwood’s novel serves as a warning of the dangers of complacency. As power dynamics shift and authoritarianism rises, the book’s lessons are more pertinent than ever.
Conclusion: A Story That Refuses to Be Silenced
What is the Story Behind The Handmaid Tale?The Handmaid’s Tale is not just a story of a fictional world; it’s a powerful, timely critique of our own society. Atwood’s work continues to inspire readers and viewers alike, serving as a reminder that we must always fight for our rights, our identity, and our freedom.
FAQs
Is The Handmaid’s Tale based on true events?
While The Handmaid’s Tale is not based on a single true event, it draws heavily from historical events and real-world political systems that have used religion and power to control women’s bodies and rights.
Why is it called The Handmaid’s Tale?
The title refers to the central figure of the story, the Handmaid, who is forced to bear children for the ruling class in a totalitarian society.
What’s the significance of the red outfit?
The red outfits worn by the Handmaids symbolize their role as both vessels for reproduction and as women marked for subjugation. The color red also represents fertility and the blood that comes with it.
Do you need to read the book before watching the series?
It’s not required, but reading the book first offers a deeper understanding of the story’s themes and character motivations. The series, however, expands on the book’s universe.
Are there more books in the series?
Yes, Atwood’s sequel The Testaments picks up the story decades after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, exploring the fall of Gilead and its aftermath.
