The Handmaids Tale- Genre

Question 1

Dystopia

Answer 1

. Society is restricted from independent thought or action. (Treatment of women)
. Oppressive government figure. (The Eyes)
. Set in fictional universe. (Gilead)
. Elements of extreme conformity. (Clothing and greetings)
. Government portrays society as a utopia.( Allow tourists in to Gilead to see a representation of a “perfect society”)
. Protagonist wishes to restore people to a conventional life.( Offred continues to believe that her husband Luke is out there somewhere and begins documenting the life within Gilead.)

Question 2

Speculative Fiction:

Answer 2

Atwood consistently makes reference to historical circumstances where outrageous grabs for power and rampant megalomania have lead to disaster. (Hitler)
. Includes many observable features of the 1980s: Poor treatment of women, disease and infertility , and corruption at the hands of radicalised religion.
. Atwood explores the possibilities of continuing on in the same fashion observed in the 1980s: repression of women’s sexuality. Suggesting a possible totalitarian society if the rise of religious right and declining birth-rate continue.

Question 3

Science- Fiction

Answer 3

Depict a “civilisation” of sorts as Gilead has created a hierarchical structural society to which the population is expected to conform to.
. Theocracy as religion is a key influence on Gileads existence.
. Slavery is hinted at as the Handmaids are, in theory surrogate slaves while the Martha’s are domestic slaves.
. Isolation and Solitude: The handmaids are not allowed friends or a social life and due to their “job” within society they’re isolated from the wives and commanders.
. Revolution. Mayday, we believe to be working towards a revolt to overthrow Gilead and revert back to life “before”.
. People are controlled through the threat of surveillance as they’re unsure if they’re making the wrong decisions.
. The residents of Gilead are indoctrinated under the false title of education.

Question 4

Fantasy

Answer 4

. Atwood writes outside the realms of normality and reality, however she incorporates historical scenarios alike.
. Sex and sexuality is explored within The Handmaids Tale, the society is lead to believe that under the new circumstances of Gilead women should be seen as empty vessels of new life rather than people again exploring the themes of misogyny and identity.
. The idea of women and desire is also explored with women understanding that within society the female body holds a sense of power over a males mind.