Plot

Characters

Themes

Symbolism

Narrative Structure

A Dystopian Text:

Atwood‟s novel contains several prominent dystopian features, such as the social hierarchy, the loss of freedom and intricate mechanics of fear. These features are being explored with the help of a first-person narrator – the main protagonist Offred – who tells the story of her life as a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. 

Through Offred‟s narrative, the reader learns that the democratic United States have been abolished in favor of a new political regime founded by Christian fundamentalists. The Republic of Gilead is openly misogynistic – the power is granted only to men. 

Some key features:

Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society 

Citizens live in a dehumanized state 

A leader/concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society 

Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality is bad 

Citizens have a fear of the outside world 

Information, independent thought and freedom are restricted 

Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance 

The social hierarchy in The Handmaid’s Tale consists of several functioning bodies – from women who serve as the maids, to the Commanders of the Faithful. Every person in the Republic of Gilead has their function. 

Hierarchy within The Handmaid's Tale.