57 pages • 1 hour read
Margaret AtwoodThe Handmaid's Tale
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood, is set in a dystopian future where the protagonist, Offred, serves as a Handmaid in the repressive theocracy known as the Republic of Gilead. Offred is forced to bear children for the ruling class and recounts her daily life alongside memories of her past before the regime's rise. The narrative explores her interactions with the Commander, his Wife Serena Joy, and figures like Nick and her fellow Handmaids while subtly uncovering a resistance movement against the theocratic rule. The story reveals Offred's struggle for autonomy and identity in a society that severely restricts women's rights and freedoms. The plot includes instances and discussions of misogyny, abuse, rape, assault, and suicide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale has been praised for its compelling, dystopian narrative and rich, thought-provoking themes on gender and power. Critics highlight Atwood's eloquent writing and the novel's chilling relevance. However, some find its bleakness challenging and character development occasionally lacking. Overall, it remains a poignant, impactful read.
Who Should Read The Handmaid's Tale?
Readers who enjoy dystopian fiction with strong feminist themes, thought-provoking social commentary, and complex characters will appreciate The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Fans of George Orwell’s 1984 and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World will find this novel particularly engaging.