In Margaret Atwood’s dystopian modern classic novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale”, women’s physical and psychological oppression through raping ceremonies, constant monitoring, control, objectification and dehumanization under Gilead’s patriarchal totalitarian regime is skillfully portrayed through the narration of Offred, the protagonist handmaid. Women are reduced to mere wombs for giving birth as their bodies are exploited for the state’s procreation goals. Women are divided in hierarchy based on their fertility, which perpetuates competition, envy and distrust among each other, reinforcing Gilead’s oppressive structure by pitting them against each other.

The protagonist’s narration introduces readers to open their eyes to the struggles of the handmaids, shedding light on her own suffering for living under Gilead’s regime, and the resilience required to navigate a world where a woman is controlled by others. In case of fertility failure, the blame falls completely on the woman, for there is no acceptance of the fact that many of Gilead’s commanders are sterile. Handmaids who fail to get pregnant are called “unwomen” and are sent to the colonies to clean toxic waste till the end of their lives.

Inspired by resistance in "The Handmaid's Tale", protesters in many parts of the world tend to protest wearing the handmaids' dress in Gilead.

Margret Atwood

Atwood also highlights that while many submit to oppressive power, individuals with a free mind and spirit are capable of challenging that status quo by embodying the theme of resistance through characters like Offred, who engages in acts of defiance against Gilead’s regime to reclaim her identity.

Atwood portrays the practice of stripping women of their identities through different examples, such as giving them names that reflect their belonging to men who are Gilead’s commanders. Offred’s name signifies her belonging to a commander named Fred, symbolizing women’s lack of autonomy and role as possessions to certain men. Other handmaids are similarly named, depending on the name of the commander possessing them. This erasure of true names is one of the main reminders of women’s subordinate status in Gilead.

Who is Margaret Atwood?

Margaret Atwood is a Canadian author, known for her multiple works including novels, essays and poetry. Her book “The Handmaid’s Tale” has achieved wide success, receiving numerous awards. The novel has been translated into multiple languages including Arabic, and has been adapted into a popular television series. The book explores insightful themes about dystopian societies, politics and feminism.