The Handmaid's Tale

I had to read The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood, for my English (Sexuality & Gender Theory) class. I wasn’t really sure what to expect from the title so it was very interesting to dig into the book and see what it was all about.

It is a story of a young woman who is part of a new society that was formed. Basically a group of highly religious people over throws the government and creates this society/culture that is very strict. Offred is the main character and she is a “Handmaid”, a person who is used purely for reproduction. Her Commander owns her and she must have a child for him and his wife. If she is unable to bear a child she will be named and “unwomen” and sent off to the toxic land or she will be killed in front of the town.

Offred became a handmaid because she was married to a man that had been married before, making them a sinful couple. Her husband and child were taken from here and she was placed within her Commanders home. This book was written in 1986 and was foreshadowing what could happen in the future. I cannot even imagine what it would be like to live in such a strict and dominating society. It reminds me of slavery and all of the dominating ownerships that were present during that time.

I would highly suggest people to read this book, it opens your eyes. There are things like this going on in the world today, although not so drastic, there are signs that it exists. That is scary to even think about. If you get a chance read the book…it’s an easy book to read and it goes by fast! I also just realized that they made a movie which I think I might have to go rent.