THE
HANDMAIDS
TALE NOTES
Summary, character and
theme analysis
, Speculative fiction (a broad category of fiction encompassing genres
with elements that don't exist in reality, recorded history, nature, or
the present universe)
Dystopian novel
Narrated through the eyes of a woman we know as Offred
- Her story is about daily life in the theocratic, patriarchal
The Republic of Gilead (Used to be USA)
- Aftermath of the nuclear war had led to excessive environmental
pollution - leading to widespread infertility in Gilead = Fertility is highly
valued in this society & women are segregated according to their ability
to conceive as well as how they conducted their lives pre-Gilead.
Exposes harsh reality.
- the contrast between image & reality
Society controlled by men
- subjugates women to the point of sexual slavery.
- denies base freedom
SOCIAL HIERARCHY OF GILEAD
Eyes of God:
secret police of Gilega (can be disguised as anyone)
can enter Commanders' homes to arrest people
Guards watch their every move
Commanders of the faithful:
* The Commander (Waterford)
High-ranking men
Black uniform & black car
Married and expected to produce children through their wives
assigned handmaid
architects of Gilead, its laws and social structures
HANDMAIDS
TALE NOTES
Summary, character and
theme analysis
, Speculative fiction (a broad category of fiction encompassing genres
with elements that don't exist in reality, recorded history, nature, or
the present universe)
Dystopian novel
Narrated through the eyes of a woman we know as Offred
- Her story is about daily life in the theocratic, patriarchal
The Republic of Gilead (Used to be USA)
- Aftermath of the nuclear war had led to excessive environmental
pollution - leading to widespread infertility in Gilead = Fertility is highly
valued in this society & women are segregated according to their ability
to conceive as well as how they conducted their lives pre-Gilead.
Exposes harsh reality.
- the contrast between image & reality
Society controlled by men
- subjugates women to the point of sexual slavery.
- denies base freedom
SOCIAL HIERARCHY OF GILEAD
Eyes of God:
secret police of Gilega (can be disguised as anyone)
can enter Commanders' homes to arrest people
Guards watch their every move
Commanders of the faithful:
* The Commander (Waterford)
High-ranking men
Black uniform & black car
Married and expected to produce children through their wives
assigned handmaid
architects of Gilead, its laws and social structures
