The Handmaid’s Tale | Margaret Atwood | Cliff Note Books

“The Handmaid’s Tale” is a dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood, published in 1985. Set in a near-future society called the Republic of Gilead (formerly the United States), the story explores themes of totalitarianism, misogyny, and religious extremism.

The protagonist, Offred, is a “Handmaid,” a woman whose sole purpose is to bear children for the ruling class of Gilead. The regime has stripped women of their rights, including the right to work, own property, and have control over their bodies. This oppressive society is a response to declining birth rates caused by environmental pollution and sexually transmitted diseases.

Offred serves a high-ranking official known as the Commander and his wife, Serena Joy. As a Handmaid, she is subject to strict surveillance and control, and she must participate in a monthly “Ceremony” where the Commander attempts to impregnate her. Offred often reminisces about her past life, when she was married to a man named Luke and had a daughter, both of whom were taken from her when Gilead was established.

Throughout the novel, Offred encounters various characters that either enforce or defy Gilead’s oppressive rules. She forms a friendship with a fellow Handmaid named Ofglen, who is secretly part of an underground resistance movement called “Mayday.” Offred also begins a risky affair with the Commander’s driver, Nick, who may also be involved in the resistance.

As the story unfolds, Offred must navigate the dangers of her situation while trying to hold onto her memories and identity. Her longing for freedom and her past life are in stark contrast to the brutal regime she lives under.

“The Handmaid’s Tale” is a chilling exploration of the consequences of totalitarianism, gender oppression, and the loss of individual freedom. The novel has been adapted into various formats, including a successful television series, and it remains a powerful and relevant work of speculative fiction.

Margaret Atwood, the author of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” conducted extensive historical research to ensure that all the events depicted in the novel had some basis in reality. Atwood has stated that she deliberately avoided including any elements in the story that had not occurred at some point in human history. This approach lends credibility and weight to the dystopian world she creates, demonstrating that such a society is not purely a product of her imagination but is rooted in actual historical events.

Atwood drew from various sources to construct the oppressive regime of Gilead. Some examples of her historical research include:

1. Puritanism in America: Atwood was influenced by the Puritan culture of early colonial America, particularly in regards to theocratic governance and strict moral codes. This influence is evident in Gilead’s emphasis on religious authority and control over women’s bodies and reproductive rights.
2. Nazi Germany: Gilead’s systemic persecution of specific groups, such as intellectuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and religious minorities, mirrors the discriminatory practices of Nazi Germany. Atwood also borrowed elements from the Holocaust, such as the use of symbols to denote social status and the forced labor camps.
3. Iran’s Islamic Revolution: The novel was written during the 1980s when Iran underwent a dramatic shift in governance, with the Islamic Revolution establishing a rigid theocratic regime. Atwood observed the swift erosion of women’s rights and the imposition of strict dress codes, which she incorporated into Gilead’s society.
4. The Soviet Union: The novel incorporates aspects of totalitarianism and state surveillance reminiscent of the Soviet Union under Stalin. The omnipresent Eyes, Gilead’s secret police force, are a reflection of the KGB and their constant monitoring of citizens.
5. American slavery: The institution of slavery in America provides a historical basis for the subjugation and exploitation of Handmaids in Gilead. Their lack of personal autonomy, forced separation from their families, and the commodification of their bodies parallel the experiences of enslaved people.
6. Witch trials: Atwood refers to the Salem witch trials and other similar events throughout history to illustrate Gilead’s persecution of women who defy societal norms or are deemed subversive.

By grounding “The Handmaid’s Tale” in real historical events, Atwood underscores the novel’s relevance and cautionary message. This approach serves as a powerful reminder that the oppressive society depicted in the story is not entirely fictional but is instead a chilling reflection of humanity’s capacity for cruelty and control.

CHARACTERS

1. Offred: The protagonist and narrator of the novel, Offred is a Handmaid who serves the Commander and his wife, Serena Joy. Her name literally means “Of Fred,” indicating that she belongs to Fred, the Commander. She struggles to maintain her identity and hope while living under Gilead’s oppressive regime.
2. The Commander: A high-ranking official in Gilead, the Commander is the man Offred serves. He secretly invites her to spend time with him outside of her duties as a Handmaid, which is strictly forbidden. His actions reveal contradictions and hypocrisies within Gilead’s power structure.
3. Serena Joy: The Commander’s wife, Serena Joy is a former televangelist who supported the rise of Gilead. She is bitter and resentful of her reduced role in the new society and her inability to have children. She has a complicated relationship with Offred, often treating her with contempt and jealousy.
4. Moira: Offred’s best friend from her pre-Gilead life, Moira is a rebellious and resourceful woman. She attempts to escape Gilead multiple times, eventually ending up as a Jezebel, a sex worker at a secret brothel for high-ranking men.
5. Aunt Lydia: One of the Aunts who train and control the Handmaids, Aunt Lydia is a strict enforcer of Gilead’s rules. She uses a mix of indoctrination, manipulation, and violence to maintain control over the Handmaids.
6. Ofglen: Another Handmaid who becomes friends with Offred, Ofglen is secretly involved in the underground resistance movement, Mayday. She represents hope and resistance in the face of Gilead’s oppressive regime.
7. Nick: The Commander’s driver, Nick begins a romantic relationship with Offred. His true loyalties are ambiguous, but he ultimately helps Offred escape from the Commander’s household.
8. Janine (Ofwarren): A fellow Handmaid who becomes pregnant, Janine is initially portrayed as submissive and compliant. However, her mental health deteriorates as a result of the abuse she suffers in Gilead.
9. Luke: Offred’s husband from her pre-Gilead life, Luke is separated from Offred when the regime takes power. His fate is uncertain, but he serves as a symbol of love and the life Offred lost.
10. Offred’s daughter: Offred’s child from her previous life, taken from her when Gilead was established. The daughter’s fate is unknown, but she serves as a driving force for Offred’s determination and hope.

QUOTES

1. “We were the people who were not in the papers. We lived in the blank white spaces at the edges of print. It gave us more freedom. We lived in the gaps between the stories.” – Offred, reflecting on her past life.
2. “Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.” – This Latin phrase, meaning “Don’t let the bastards grind you down,” is found by Offred etched into her room’s closet by a previous Handmaid. It becomes a mantra for resistance and hope.
3. “But remember that forgiveness too is a power. To beg for it is a power, and to withhold or bestow it is a power, perhaps the greatest.” – Offred, contemplating the dynamics of power in Gilead.
4. “Better never means better for everyone… It always means worse, for some.” – The Commander, offering his perspective on Gilead’s society.
5. “A rat in a maze is free to go anywhere, as long as it stays inside the maze.” – Offred, reflecting on the illusion of choice and freedom in Gilead.
6. “Sanity is a valuable possession; I hoard it the way people once hoarded money. I save it, so I will have enough when the time comes.” – Offred, commenting on the importance of mental resilience in her oppressive environment.
7. “Freedom, like everything else, is relative.” – Offred, musing on the concept of freedom and its varying meanings depending on one’s circumstances.

THEMES

1. Totalitarianism and oppression: The novel examines the consequences of an authoritarian regime that exercises complete control over its citizens, particularly women. The Republic of Gilead uses surveillance, violence, and fear to maintain power and suppress dissent.
2. Gender and misogyny: One of the central themes of the story is the systemic oppression of women in Gilead. The regime enforces strict gender roles, with women being classified into categories such as Wives, Handmaids, Marthas, or Aunts, depending on their social status and fertility. Women are denied education, employment, and control over their bodies, emphasizing the misogyny that pervades the society.
3. Power dynamics and control: The novel explores various aspects of power, both within the oppressive regime and in interpersonal relationships. Characters like the Commander, Serena Joy, and Aunt Lydia wield power in different ways, revealing the complex nature of control and authority.
4. Loss of identity and individuality: In Gilead, women are stripped of their names and personal histories, losing their individual identities. Offred’s narrative frequently emphasizes her longing for her past life and the importance of preserving her memories to maintain a sense of self.
5. Resistance and rebellion: Despite the oppressive society, characters like Offred, Ofglen, and Moira find ways to resist and rebel against Gilead’s rules. The existence of the underground resistance movement, Mayday, highlights the human spirit’s resilience and the desire for freedom.
6. Language and storytelling: The novel emphasizes the importance of language, stories, and narrative as tools of both oppression and resistance. Gilead uses religious language to justify its actions, while Offred’s storytelling becomes a means of preserving her identity and making sense of her experiences.

SYMBOLLISM

1. The color red: The Handmaids wear red uniforms, signifying fertility and their role in Gilead as childbearers. The color red also represents blood, danger, and sexuality, further emphasizing the Handmaids’ vulnerability and the society’s obsession with reproduction.
2. The Handmaid’s bonnet: The bonnet, also known as “wings,” is a part of the Handmaid’s uniform. It symbolizes the restrictions imposed on women in Gilead, both physically (by limiting their field of vision) and metaphorically (by stifling their freedom and individuality).
3. Flowers: Flowers appear frequently throughout the novel, often symbolizing femininity and fertility. Serena Joy’s garden, where she cultivates flowers, can be seen as a representation of the society’s obsession with fertility and control over women’s bodies.
4. Scrabble: The Commander invites Offred to play Scrabble with him, an illicit activity since women in Gilead are forbidden to read or write. The game symbolizes the subversive power of language and words, as well as the Commander’s power over Offred by granting her access to something forbidden.
5. The Eyes: The Eyes are the secret police of Gilead, responsible for surveillance and enforcing the regime’s rules. They symbolize the pervasive nature of government control and the constant threat of punishment for those who defy the regime.
6. The Bible: In Gilead, a distorted version of the Bible is used to justify the oppressive regime and its actions. The Bible symbolizes the manipulation of religious texts and beliefs to exert control over society and maintain power.

AUTHOR

Margaret Atwood is a renowned Canadian author, poet, and literary critic, born on November 18, 1939, in Ottawa, Ontario. She is known for her wide-ranging body of work, which includes novels, poetry collections, short stories, essays, and children’s books. Atwood’s writing often explores themes such as feminism, environmentalism, and the human experience, and her works are characterized by their strong storytelling, rich language, and sharp wit.

Atwood spent much of her early life in the Canadian wilderness, where her father was an entomologist. Her experiences in nature would later influence her writing. She began her formal education at the age of 11 and later attended the University of Toronto, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1961. Atwood continued her studies at Radcliffe College, earning a Master’s degree in 1962, and pursued a doctorate at Harvard University, though she did not complete it.

Atwood’s literary career began in the early 1960s with the publication of her poetry. Her first novel, “The Edible Woman,” was published in 1969, marking the beginning of a long and successful career as a novelist. Atwood’s works often straddle the line between literary and genre fiction, and she has written in various styles, including historical fiction, science fiction, and speculative fiction.

Some of Atwood’s most notable works include “The Handmaid’s Tale” (1985), a dystopian novel that has become a modern classic and inspired a successful television adaptation; “The Blind Assassin” (2000), which won the prestigious Booker Prize; the MaddAddam trilogy, consisting of “Oryx and Crake” (2003), “The Year of the Flood” (2009), and “MaddAddam” (2013), which explore a post-apocalyptic world; and “The Testaments” (2019), a sequel to “The Handmaid’s Tale” that won the Booker Prize.

In addition to her accomplishments as a writer, Atwood has been an advocate for environmental causes and has been involved in various literary and cultural organizations. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the Booker Prize, the Giller Prize, the Arthur C. Clarke Award, and the Prince of Asturias Award for Literature. Margaret Atwood is considered one of the most influential and important literary figures of her time, and her work continues to captivate and inspire readers around the world.

SUMMARIES

1. Section 1 – Night: Offred, the protagonist, describes her current living situation in a former gymnasium turned into a dormitory for Handmaids-in-training. She recalls her past life with her husband, Luke, and their daughter, reflecting on the freedoms she once had.
2. Section 2 – Shopping: Offred goes shopping with another Handmaid, Ofglen. They exchange brief conversations while adhering to the strict rules of communication. Offred provides insight into the oppressive society of Gilead, where women are divided into rigid categories (Handmaids, Wives, Marthas, etc.) based on their reproductive abilities and social status.
3. Section 3 – Night: Offred describes her room in the Commander’s house, which is stripped of any personal items or means of self-expression. She reveals her longing for her previous life, her daughter, and her husband.
4. Section 4 – Waiting Room: Offred provides more information about Gilead’s caste system and the role of Handmaids. She recalls her time at the Red Center, where the Aunts indoctrinated her and other women into their roles as Handmaids. Offred remembers Aunt Lydia, who emphasized the importance of submission and obedience, and her friend Moira, who attempted to escape.
5. Section 5 – Nap: Offred takes a nap and dreams about her past life. She remembers her husband, Luke, and their daughter, as well as her mother, who was a feminist activist. Offred’s memories emphasize the stark contrast between her previous life and her present existence in Gilead.

6. Section 6 – Household: Offred describes the various members of the Commander’s household, including Serena Joy (the Commander’s Wife), Rita (a Martha, responsible for cooking and cleaning), and Nick (the Commander’s driver). Offred attends the daily Ceremony, a ritual during which the Commander tries to impregnate her while she lies between Serena Joy’s legs.
7. Section 7 – Night: Offred lies awake in her room, thinking about her past and her relationship with Luke. She secretly wonders about the possibility of forming a romantic relationship with Nick.
8. Section 8 – Birth Day: Offred and other Handmaids are summoned to attend the birth of a baby by another Handmaid named Janine (Ofwarren). Offred recalls the births she witnessed at the Red Center and how the women there were conditioned to view childbirth as a sacred event. Janine successfully gives birth to a baby girl, which is immediately taken by the Wife, Warren’s wife, as her own.
9. Section 9 – Night: Offred returns to the Commander’s house and reflects on her feelings of jealousy and resentment toward the Wives who take Handmaids’ babies. She also ponders the power dynamics between Handmaids and Wives, understanding that both groups are trapped in the patriarchal system of Gilead.
10. Section 10 – Soul Scrolls: Offred and Ofglen go shopping again and stop by a store called Soul Scrolls, which sells prayers printed on scrolls. Offred learns that Ofglen is involved in a resistance movement called Mayday. They also encounter Janine, who has been reassigned after giving birth and appears to be struggling with her mental health. Offred begins to consider the possibility of resistance and hopes for a better future.
11. Section 11 – Night: Offred thinks about her past, recalling how the government took control of women’s finances and jobs, leading to protests and riots. She also remembers her failed escape attempt with her husband, Luke, and their daughter, which resulted in their separation.
12. Section 12 – Jezebels: The Commander secretly invites Offred to his study for a clandestine meeting, where they play Scrabble, an illegal activity since women are not allowed to read. He then takes her to a secret brothel called Jezebels, where high-ranking men indulge in forbidden pleasures. Offred unexpectedly reunites with her friend Moira, who now works as a sex worker at Jezebels. Moira shares her harrowing story of survival and how she ended up there.
13. Section 13 – Night: Offred returns to the Commander’s house, reflecting on her encounter with Moira and the resilience of the human spirit. She begins a sexual relationship with Nick, initiated by Serena Joy, who believes Offred hasn’t become pregnant because of the Commander’s infertility. This risky affair offers Offred a brief sense of intimacy and freedom.
14. Section 14 – Salvaging: Offred attends a Salvaging, a public execution where women are punished for crimes against Gilead. The Handmaids are given the opportunity to participate in a Particicution, a brutal event where they can exact revenge on a man accused of rape. Offred is disturbed by the violence but recognizes the importance of releasing pent-up rage.
15. Section 15 – Night: The novel concludes with Offred’s fate left uncertain. She is taken away by the Eyes, Gilead’s secret police. However, Nick tells her to trust him, implying that he is part of the resistance and that she is being rescued. Offred leaves the Commander’s house, unsure whether she is being led to safety or certain doom.

In “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the “Historical Notes” section is an epilogue set in the year 2195, long after the fall of the Republic of Gilead. It is presented as a transcript of a lecture given by Professor Pieixoto, a scholar from the University of Denay, Nunavit, at an academic conference.

The lecture focuses on the study of Gilead and the discovery of a collection of cassette tapes hidden in a locked box. These tapes contain the recorded narrative of Offred, the protagonist of the novel. Professor Pieixoto and his team transcribed and edited the tapes, naming the resulting manuscript “The Handmaid’s Tale.” He discusses the challenges they faced in authenticating and interpreting Offred’s story, such as the lack of verifiable names and dates.

Pieixoto also provides additional historical context for the rise and fall of Gilead, mentioning how the regime’s rigid social structure and oppressive policies eventually led to its collapse. He speaks about the significance of Offred’s account, as it offers a personal perspective on the experiences of women living under Gilead’s rule.

However, the tone of the lecture is somewhat detached and clinical, emphasizing the scholarly analysis of Offred’s narrative rather than empathizing with her suffering. The lecture also raises ethical questions about the treatment of Offred’s story, as the academic audience finds humor in certain aspects of her life, highlighting the potential for history to be misinterpreted or trivialized.

The “Historical Notes” section serves as a thought-provoking conclusion to “The Handmaid’s Tale,” adding another layer to the novel’s exploration of power, memory, and the importance of preserving individual stories.