”The Handmaid´s Tale”
Written by Margaret Atwood

”The Handmaid´s Tale” is a dystopian, science fiction, speculative fiction novel written by Margaret Atwood. The story is a disturbing look at a society built on lies and fear through the eyes of the main character trapped inside. It was the first novel to win the Arthur C. Clarke award and won the Governor General´s Award for English language fiction. It was nominated for the Booker Prize, Prometheus Award and Nebula Award. How it did not win a Nebula award is beyond me because this is a science fiction classic.

The story takes place in the Republic of Gilead, a society that has replaced the United States of America. In Gilead there is no Constitution, civil liberties or reproductive freedom. Disease and diminishing fertility have made healthy babies a sought after luxury. There is rigid caste system imposed on women who wear colors according to their caste. At the top of the caste or the “Wives” who wear blue. Then the “Daughters” who wear white, followed by the “Handmaids” who wear red. Then the “Aunts” who wear brown followed by the “Marthas” who wear green and lastly the “econowives” who wear several colors.

The main character´s name is Offred and she is a handmaid. Her role in society is to have healthy babies for the elite. She wears red gloves and a red dress to designate her caste.

All of these types of societies, such as the Republic of Gilead, profess the notion of individual sacrifice to society. They draw a clear line between those that will enjoy the spoils of society and those that will suffer the toil and injustice of society. The predator class clings to the lies and propaganda of the political system while the lower castes cling to hope of better days. The Republic of Gilead is such a society and it is in a state of collapse. I think that any society that practices predation on its citizens is a system deserving of overthrow or collapse.

“The Handmaid´s Tale” is a fantastic read with a great story and disturbing ending. It is a science fiction masterpiece that is a must read.

(Commentary by www.ink2quill.com )
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