Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, published in 1985, serves... Show more
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6 Dec 2025
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Insightful Analysis of Moira in 'The Handmaid’s Tale'
Laila
@lailaaa__
1 / 4
Historical Context and Atwood's Warning
You might be surprised to learn that Atwood wrote The Handmaid's Tale as a direct response to what she saw happening in 1980s America. During Reagan's presidency, far-right religious groups like the Moral Majority were gaining serious political influence and actively opposing feminism, abortion rights, and LGBT+ equality.
Atwood wasn't just writing fiction - she was issuing a feminist warning. She wanted to show women what could happen if the progress made by second-wave feminism was completely reversed.
Moira emerges as a crucial character who represents strength and resistance in the Red Centre. While other Handmaids like Janine struggle with their mental health and try to escape into memories of the past, Moira keeps everyone grounded in their harsh reality.
Key Point: When Moira tells Janine "You can't stay there, you aren't there any more," she's providing harsh but necessary comfort, showing she understands Gilead's system and is determined to help others survive it.
Genre and Moira's Unique Role
Speculative fiction is Atwood's preferred term for her novel, rather than science fiction. She's more interested in exploring realistic political and social changes than imaginary technology, making Gilead feel terrifyingly possible.
Moira stands out from other Handmaids through Atwood's striking description of her as "like an elevator with no sides" that makes others "dizzy." This powerful simile suggests multiple interpretations about her character.
She could be seen as a dangerous force against Gilead's control, or perhaps someone with a clearer mental outlook than those who've already accepted their fate. The elevator metaphor implies she's moving upward - either literally planning escape or mentally rising above the oppression.
Remember: Moira consistently tries to override the Gileadean beliefs that have been embedded in other women's minds, positioning her as a source of hope and resistance.
Resistance Against Real-World Threats
The 1980s context becomes even more important when you consider how far-right religious groups were using media and government support to promote traditional gender roles and remove equality protections. Atwood wasn't imagining these threats - she was responding to them.
Moira represents women's resilience against these regressive forces. Her character embodies the kind of resistance Atwood believed was necessary to prevent a dystopian future from becoming reality.
However, the novel takes a devastating turn when Offred encounters Moira at Jezebel's brothel. The once-rebellious woman now seems content with small luxuries: "They even give you face cream... The food's not bad and there's drink and drugs."
Critical Insight: Moira's transformation shows how even the strongest individuals can be broken down by systematic oppression, making Atwood's warning even more urgent.
The Breakdown of Hope
Offred's shock at Moira's change represents one of the novel's most heartbreaking moments. The friend who once embodied defiance has accepted her position and stopped fighting for freedom, showing how Gilead systematically erodes people's spirit.
This encounter destroys Offred's last source of hope. The Moira she remembered - strong, rebellious, unbreakable - no longer exists, replaced by someone who's grateful for the "luxury" of limited choices like alcohol and drugs.
Atwood deliberately shows us that Moira has found some small freedoms through her escape attempts, but at the cost of her fighting spirit. This isn't meant to judge Moira harshly, but to demonstrate how oppressive systems wear people down over time.
The ultimate message is clear: Atwood uses Moira's journey from resistance to acceptance as an urgent call to action, warning women to fight against oppression before it becomes too powerful to overcome.
Take Away: Moira's character arc serves both as inspiration (showing initial resistance is possible) and warning (demonstrating that even strong people have breaking points).
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Insightful Analysis of Moira in 'The Handmaid’s Tale'
Laila
@lailaaa__
Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, published in 1985, serves as a chilling warning about what could happen if women's rights were completely stripped away. Through the character of Moira, Atwood explores themes of resistance, hope, and the devastating effects... Show more
Historical Context and Atwood's Warning
You might be surprised to learn that Atwood wrote The Handmaid's Tale as a direct response to what she saw happening in 1980s America. During Reagan's presidency, far-right religious groups like the Moral Majority were gaining serious political influence and actively opposing feminism, abortion rights, and LGBT+ equality.
Atwood wasn't just writing fiction - she was issuing a feminist warning. She wanted to show women what could happen if the progress made by second-wave feminism was completely reversed.
Moira emerges as a crucial character who represents strength and resistance in the Red Centre. While other Handmaids like Janine struggle with their mental health and try to escape into memories of the past, Moira keeps everyone grounded in their harsh reality.
Key Point: When Moira tells Janine "You can't stay there, you aren't there any more," she's providing harsh but necessary comfort, showing she understands Gilead's system and is determined to help others survive it.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Genre and Moira's Unique Role
Speculative fiction is Atwood's preferred term for her novel, rather than science fiction. She's more interested in exploring realistic political and social changes than imaginary technology, making Gilead feel terrifyingly possible.
Moira stands out from other Handmaids through Atwood's striking description of her as "like an elevator with no sides" that makes others "dizzy." This powerful simile suggests multiple interpretations about her character.
She could be seen as a dangerous force against Gilead's control, or perhaps someone with a clearer mental outlook than those who've already accepted their fate. The elevator metaphor implies she's moving upward - either literally planning escape or mentally rising above the oppression.
Remember: Moira consistently tries to override the Gileadean beliefs that have been embedded in other women's minds, positioning her as a source of hope and resistance.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Resistance Against Real-World Threats
The 1980s context becomes even more important when you consider how far-right religious groups were using media and government support to promote traditional gender roles and remove equality protections. Atwood wasn't imagining these threats - she was responding to them.
Moira represents women's resilience against these regressive forces. Her character embodies the kind of resistance Atwood believed was necessary to prevent a dystopian future from becoming reality.
However, the novel takes a devastating turn when Offred encounters Moira at Jezebel's brothel. The once-rebellious woman now seems content with small luxuries: "They even give you face cream... The food's not bad and there's drink and drugs."
Critical Insight: Moira's transformation shows how even the strongest individuals can be broken down by systematic oppression, making Atwood's warning even more urgent.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Breakdown of Hope
Offred's shock at Moira's change represents one of the novel's most heartbreaking moments. The friend who once embodied defiance has accepted her position and stopped fighting for freedom, showing how Gilead systematically erodes people's spirit.
This encounter destroys Offred's last source of hope. The Moira she remembered - strong, rebellious, unbreakable - no longer exists, replaced by someone who's grateful for the "luxury" of limited choices like alcohol and drugs.
Atwood deliberately shows us that Moira has found some small freedoms through her escape attempts, but at the cost of her fighting spirit. This isn't meant to judge Moira harshly, but to demonstrate how oppressive systems wear people down over time.
The ultimate message is clear: Atwood uses Moira's journey from resistance to acceptance as an urgent call to action, warning women to fight against oppression before it becomes too powerful to overcome.
Take Away: Moira's character arc serves both as inspiration (showing initial resistance is possible) and warning (demonstrating that even strong people have breaking points).
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user