I recently went to my local Books a Million to pick up my own copy of The Handmaid's Tale. I've wanted to read (and watch) it for a while. I don't have access to Hulu, and don't feel like paying for it, plus I prefer to read the book before I watch the movie/show version of it. I was ecstatic to finally get the book. I finished it within two days of buying it. By the way, spoiler alert. You've been warned.
The book is a dystopian society type of novel, where women are treated like objects rather than people. It takes place in the Republic of Gilead, a new made-up name for the United States after the government was overthrown by an outside group. Women aren't allowed to read books, magazines, newspapers, signs, or anything with words on it. A certain class of women were made into "handmaids," who were used for reproductive purposes. These women no longer go by their real names, rather they go by names that are Of, followed by the name of their Commander, or owner. For example, the main character (who the point of view is written from) is a handmaid named Offred, pronounced of Fred. Other examples of handmaids include Ofwarren, Ofcharles, and Ofglen. Men of power or influence are issued a handmaid, and a monthly ceremony involves the Commander (or man in power/influence) having sex with his handmaid to reproduce. The offspring must be carried to term, no matter its health. Offred says in the book that "there used to be tests for this purpose, but they are no longer allowed."
There is a location in the Republic called The Wall, which is where criminals sentenced to death are hung for all to see. There is a placard depicting the crime committed by the person hanging with the body. The crimes involve adultery, rape, and even performing abortion. In part of the book when Offred is allowed to leave the house for a shopping trip, she passes by the wall where, it turns out, abortion doctors are hanging for their crime. She says that "it was once legal, but not anymore." The women weren't hung for abortion, but the doctors were. Even birth control or any other contraception is illegal in this society.
There is an ongoing war in the book, causing a shortage in births. This was why the handmaids were created so that they can fulfill this purpose, and it's their only purpose in this novel. The handmaids aren't allowed to smoke cigarettes, drink coffee, or drink alcohol for the fear that it could effect her ability to reproduce. If the handmaids are unable to reproduce, they are labelled as "Unwomen," and sent off to be killed. A baby that is miscarried or dies after birth is labelled as an "Unbaby." This goes to show that, even though the Republic is strictly pro-life, that these women and children are objectified, and it isn't really about saving lives. It is about control. Women were stripped of their jobs, and their money was transferred to their husbands. Offred had a normal life, job, husband, and daughter before the drastic changes. The book makes references to biblical characters and events, along with other historical items and occurrences.
Although the book was written in 1984, the author, Margaret Atwood, says that it isn't a prediction. To me, I think of it as more of a warning. The events that happen in the book could be consequences of removing women's rights and bodily autonomy. I know it is a possibly extreme example of what could happen, but anything is possible. If you really care about women's rights, bodily autonomy, contraceptives, or anything of that nature, stay aware and keep speaking for these things that our mothers, grandmothers, and generations of women before have fought so hard to get. Women's rights are human rights, and vice versa. The book is amazing, but the story can become all too real if we aren't careful.
