Welcome to the dystopian nightmare of Gilead, a terrifying theocratic regime birthed from the imagination of Margaret Atwood. This world serves as a chilling reminder of what could happen if a patriarchal society led by extremist religious ideologies were to take control. Having recently delved into the Hulu adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale, I find myself captivated, perhaps because I enjoy being unsettled in 57-minute increments.
The series stays largely true to the book, while also updating Offred’s world. References to modern conveniences like Tinder and Uber ground the story in a familiar reality. The premise is unsettling: what if infertility rates in the U.S. soared to alarming levels, leading to mass hysteria? And what if radical religious extremists seized power in that chaos?
The narrative is centered around Offred, a “handmaid”—a woman deemed fertile in a society that views her primarily as a vessel for reproduction. Her internal monologue starkly contrasts the obedient facade she must maintain. A moment of dark humor surfaces when she internally dismisses her walking partner as “a pious little shit.”
Handmaids are stripped of their identities, their names replaced by a prefix denoting ownership—“Of”—followed by the name of their commander. In Offred’s case, her commander is Fred, and the couple’s inability to conceive is blamed entirely on the wife, because men, of course, can do no wrong. The theocratic government in The Handmaid’s Tale interprets biblical texts selectively, favoring passages that support their oppressive beliefs. This echoes our current societal climate, doesn’t it?
One particularly poignant reference comes from Genesis 30:1-3, where Rachel offers her maid Bilhah to Jacob to bear children in her stead. In the series, Offred, originally named June, is a college-educated woman with a career, husband, and daughter. In a swift turn of events, she learns that women can no longer work, and suddenly, only a male relative can access her bank account. Offred reflects, “That’s how we let it happen. Nothing changes instantaneously. In a gradually heating bathtub, you’d be boiled to death before you knew it.” Rights are stripped away incrementally under the guise of national security, with racism, sexism, and homophobia becoming increasingly normalized.
The horror of the show is palpable, and I advise caution for anyone who has faced sexual abuse. Scenes depict brutal violence and sexual assault presented in a disturbingly sanctified manner. One particularly hard-to-watch sequence showcases the “before” world, where people march for their rights, only to be met with gunfire from law enforcement. I was reminded of my own experience marching for women’s rights, passing by stoic police officers. How far would it take for our government to declare protests illegal? The progression of these events raises alarming questions about the fragility of our rights.
While this is a fictional narrative, it strikes alarmingly close to home, as the world of The Handmaid’s Tale amplifies existing intolerance. Racism, homophobia, and misogyny fuel this new society, and it’s a narrative that resonates all too well with our current political landscape.
Offred’s driving motivation is the desperate hope of reclaiming her child, showcasing the lengths a mother will go for her offspring. This underlying theme of maternal strength is what I choose to focus on.
Ultimately, the early episodes serve as a stark reminder: when intolerance and misplaced fears reign, the consequences can be dire. And yes, mothers will do whatever it takes, but you already knew that.
For those exploring their options for starting a family, check out our article about the home insemination kit and consider the 18-piece at-home insemination kit as a helpful resource. For more information on infertility, the Women’s Health website is an excellent source.
In summary, The Handmaid’s Tale serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of intolerance and the resilience of motherhood.
Keyphrase: The Handmaid’s Tale and society
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