The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel for Anyone but the Weak-Kneed (Robenas Tadesse)

    The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is not for the lighthearted. The Handmaid’s Tale is the story of a young woman named Offred, trapped between the clutches of the Republic of Gilead, formerly known as the United States. After a plague decimates the fertility rate, a group of extremist Puritan Christians slowly take over the country; their goal is to create an entirely self-sufficient nation hell-bent on producing as many infants as possible, disregarding basic human rights. During the Republic of Gilead’s first attempt to gain control, an act of terrorism killed the president and several members of Congress, leaving people terrified and grief-stricken. The military–poisoned with moles and double agents working on behalf of Gilead–declares a national emergency and blames the incident on Muslim fanatics. Shortly after, the Constitution was suspended “temporarily,” while the government claimed to be organizing an election. In the meantime, amid the confusion, the Gileadian officials began to choke the freedom of the United States, hyper-focused on unraveling the progress made by the Women’s Rights Movement. One somber day, a law is established that makes it illegal for women to work, own property, and use money. New laws and protocols were enforced with violence, smothering the flame of defiant marches by opening immediate fire. Day after suppressive day passed, and it became clear to everyone that the United States was no more; the Republic of Gilead was in complete and absolute power.

    After the Republic of Gilead had a stronghold, the government began its main agenda, the dehumanization of women. There were three main groups of women in this newfound, repulsive society. Marthas–the housekeepers, Aunts–the trainers of Handmaids, Wives– the highest a woman can get in Gilead and Handmaids– the few fertile women left to bear children. All these people were owned by the Commander, a wealthy, respected man. Offred is owned by a Commander named Fred (this is where the main character’s name is derived from). Offred and all other Handmaids must endure the suffocating rules, which if broken, death would follow. Whenever the Commander feels like it, Offred must partake in a ceremony involving sexual intercourse, along with the Wife.

    As the book continues, Offred begins to violate some of the most forbidden laws and “moral” codes. The Handmaid’s Tale explores more mature subjects such as the demoralization of women and explicit sexual passages. Consequently, the book has had parents criticizing and challenging the book several times over the years since its publication. I personally believe The Handmaid’s Tale is an excellent book with true thought put into it. It’s extremely eye-opening to the dystopian version of our world if all the worst-case scenarios took place. Margaret Atwood is not afraid to include real-world issues–whether in history or present–and condense and mildly exaggerate the consequences. Finally not to mention, the vague and mysterious yet specific composition of this novel is simply impressive; it leaves a sense of foreboding every time the book is put down.