The Handmaid's Tale Analysis

There is no doubt that the government plays an important role in our everyday lives. Public transportation, emergency services and public schooling are an integral part of our society. Fortunately, our government is not excessively authoritative; the government does not dictate us to live our lives in a certain way. We should be very grateful for this luxury; certain regimes in the past and present have abused their authority. Historically, some governments have imposed strict and inhumane guidelines upon their citizens. This is the case in Margaret Atwood’s novel “The Handmaid’s Tale”. The book presents a dystopian world in which the new Christian government’s extreme policies restrict women’s rights and freedoms and control the citizens’ lives. This new society is known as “The Republic of Gilead” and its ideologies and actions are seen through the point of view of a woman known as Offred. Offred is a so-called handmaid, a class of women that are used by the state solely for the purpose of repopulation. Offred’s unique perspective and opinion regarding the regime is what makes the Handmaid’s tale a compelling book to read. Margaret Atwood uses various writing and literary techniques to inform the reader about the dangers of a totalitarian regime.
Characterization is constantly used throughout the Handmaid’s tale in order to show the reader the horrors of Gilead. There are very few characters in the novel that are willing to stand up to the government. Offred often complains about the regime, but actually does very little to stand up to it. Moira is one of the only Handmaids that effectively stands up to the establishment. She makes two escape attempts from the red center, one of which is successful. Although we know little about...

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...ader. Furthermore, Offred’s social status as a handmaid and her literary status as the main narrator helps the reader to better understand what the handmaids go through. The reader witnesses the handmaids’ experience of reproducing with the commander. Also, since Offred is a woman, we witness what its like to be a woman in this strongly patriarchal society. Given that “The Handmaid’s Tale” is written from the point of view of a handmaid, we feel empathy towards the oppressed women.

The characters and the events in “the Handmaid’s tale” demonstrate and educate the reader about life in a totalitarian society. Symbolism, character development, and the narrative point of view help the reader to recognize people’s past and present life experiences. This novel inspires us to better appreciate and value our lives in a modern, democratic, and open-minded society.