Oppression of Women: The novel portrays a society where women are oppressed and stripped of their basic rights. The handmaids are forced to bear children for the ruling class and are denied any autonomy over their bodies or lives.
Patriarchy: The novel highlights the dominance of men over women in society. The ruling class in the novel is exclusively male, and women are relegated to secondary roles as wives, servants, or handmaids.
Religious Fundamentalism: The novel depicts a society that is built on the principles of religious fundamentalism, where strict adherence to a particular interpretation of Christianity is enforced through violent means.
Loss of Individuality: The novel explores the loss of individuality in a society where conformity is enforced through strict dress codes, language, and behavior.
Reproductive Rights: The novel explores the issue of reproductive rights, particularly the right to control one's own body and make choices about fertility.
Government Control: The novel depicts a society where the government exercises extreme control over every aspect of people's lives, including their thoughts and emotions.
Environmental Degradation: The novel hints at the possibility of environmental degradation and the impact of human activities on the planet.
These are some of the key issues addressed in "The Handmaid's Tale." The novel offers a powerful commentary on the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of individual freedom and autonomy.