The Handmaid's Tale: A Feminist Dystopia

Study Notes

The Handmaid's Tale is a novel by Margaret Atwood, published in 1985
Set in a totalitarian, patriarchal society, where women's bodies are controlled and reproductive rights are denied
Explores the consequences of a society that values patriarchal power over women's autonomy and humanity

In the novel, women's reproductive rights are taken away
Handmaids are forced into reproductive servitude, forced to bear children for the ruling class
The regime controls women's bodies, dictating what they can and cannot do with their own reproductive systems
The novel highlights the importance of women's autonomy over their own bodies and reproductive choices

The ruling class in the novel is a patriarchal regime, where men hold power and control over women
Women are relegated to secondary status, stripped of their rights and agency
The novel critiques the ways in which patriarchal systems perpetuate gender-based oppression and violence

The novel is set in a totalitarian society, where the government has complete control over citizens' lives
The regime uses surveillance, propaganda, and violence to maintain power and control
The novel portrays the dangers of a society that values obedience and conformity over individual freedom and autonomy

Resistance and Activism: The novel explores the ways in which individuals can resist and challenge oppressive systems
Power and Control: The novel critiques the ways in which power is exercised and maintained over marginalized groups
Identity and Agency: The novel explores the importance of women's autonomy and agency in a society that seeks to erase their identities
Reproductive Justice: The novel highlights the importance of women's reproductive rights and autonomy over their own bodies

Published in 1985 by Margaret Atwood
Set in a totalitarian, patriarchal society where women's bodies are controlled and reproductive rights are denied
Explores the consequences of a society that values patriarchal power over women's autonomy and humanity

Women's reproductive rights are taken away
Handmaids are forced into reproductive servitude, bearing children for the ruling class
The regime controls women's bodies, dictating what they can and cannot do with their own reproductive systems
Highlights the importance of women's autonomy over their own bodies and reproductive choices

Ruling class is a patriarchal regime, where men hold power and control over women
Women are relegated to secondary status, stripped of their rights and agency
Critiques the ways in which patriarchal systems perpetuate gender-based oppression and violence

Set in a totalitarian society, where the government has complete control over citizens' lives
Regime uses surveillance, propaganda, and violence to maintain power and control
Portrays the dangers of a society that values obedience and conformity over individual freedom and autonomy