A Handmaid's Tale Map

A Handmaid's Tale Map
Topics
Include
Freedom
More specifically
Lack of Freedom From Restrictive Rules
Examples
Handmaids confined unless for shopping
trips, Ceremonies etc.
Women wear certain clothing pertaining
to class
Handmaids have to wear red dresses and
white wings
Abortion not allowed
Abortion doctors killed
No divorces and second marraiges
Feminism
More specifically
Mistreatment of Woman
Examples
Women cannot read, write, hold property
or own a job
Handmaids have vision restricted by
wearing white wings
Handmaids cannot escape
Shatterproof windows
Always have partner when outside
Woman's bodies used as political
instruments
Identity
Restriction in Identity
Examples
Handmaids do not use real name
Existence of labels
Jezebel
Guardian
Commander
Handmaids do not have mirrors
Offred doesn't know what she looks like
No power over own decisions
Cannot commit suicide
Power
Presence and Manipulation of Power
Seen in totalitarian government of Gilead
Because the government controls all
Implements many rules and acts
Examples
Criminals hanged on The Wall
Eyes of God spy on people
Ceremony every month
Salvaging
Conformity
Everyone must obey the ideals and rebels
are squashed
Example
Moira was once a rebellious woman
Now is broken down and is a Jezebel
Sexuality
Government controls sex and sexuality
Lesbians deemed as criminals
No illicit sexual practice
No pornography and prostitution
Setting
Novel takes place in
Republic of Gilead
Formed from military coup
Is a Christian theocracy
Because there is heavy emphasis on
Bible Readings
Examples
Bible read to Handmaids each day
Has declining birth rates
Due to pollution, chemicals etc.
Government focus on fertility and
increasing reproduction
Dystopian Society
Set in future United States
Plot
Daily life of Offred
Usually involves
Shopping trips with Ofglen
Ceremony every month with Commander
and Serena Joy
Salvaging of woman who produced unbaby
Shows ruthlessness of society
Going to see The Wall
Where bodies of criminals are hanged
Significant Events
Doctor asks Offred if she wants to have the
baby with him instead
Gives Offred a chance to not think too
much about having a baby
But it against rules of Gilead
Because commander is infertile
Commander starts secretly playing
Scrabble with Offred
Which is
Against rules because women are not
allowed to read and write
Offred starts sexual relationship with Nick
to maintain individuality/identity
Because
Small rebellious acts reminds her she can
make own decision
Commander takes Offred to Jezebels
Where Offred meets Moira
Offred leaves household but fate is
unknown
Shows the difficulty of actually escaping
Gilead
Characters
Offred
Main character/ Protagonist
Handmaid
Seemingly submissive but actually rebels in
small acts
Examples
Makes eye contact with Guardian
Has sexual relationship with Nick
Complies going to club with Commander
Longs for freedom and to reunite with
family
Moira
Offred's Best Friend
Serves as hope for Offred
Rebellious and tenacious
Constantly tries to break out of Center
Never willing to concede freedom
Eventually broken down
Now works at Jezebel
Prostitute
Commander
Head of Household
Holds much power
Can be seen as naive
Because
He wants Offred's life to be bearable
Does not actually love wife
Has secret affaris with handmaids
Gets Offred to dress in naughty outfit and
go to club
Shows passionless femalemale
relationships
Aunt Lydia
Dark mentor
Agent of Republic
Because...
Believes in Republic beliefs and oppression
of woman is freedom from sexual abuse
Manipulative
Example
Made women believe that the beaten
Guardian was a rapist
Not good at feeling for other people
Guides women to be "handmaids"
Serena Joy
Commander's Wife
Powerful female in Gilead
However is unhappy
Shows maledominated society cannot bring
females any happiness even to the most
powerful women
Nick
Guardian (low level officer)
Has sexual relationship with Offred
Because
They want to conceive baby
Luke
Offred's Lover
Relationship with Offred contrasts
passionless femalemale relationships
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