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12 Dec 2025
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The Main Themes in The Handmaid’s Tale
Hannah G
@hannahg_
1 / 4
Power, Control, and Sexual Violence
The theme of reproduction, rape, and sexual violence sits at the heart of Gilead's power structure. Red handmaids are valued solely for their wombs, reducing them to walking reproductive organs in a deeply dehumanising way. What's particularly disturbing is how Offred doesn't initially recognise the Ceremony as rape—showing how institutionalised sexual violence becomes normalised under patriarchal regimes.
Gilead maintains control and order through a deliberate female hierarchy that prevents women from forming alliances. The Wall displays the bodies of those who've challenged the system, whilst the Colonies serve as a threat of social ostracism for anyone stepping out of line. Religious language becomes another tool of control, with the Eyes representing both God's surveillance and state oppression as one unified force.
The novel functions as a dystopia by showing how quickly society can collapse into totalitarianism. The Colonies—radioactive wastelands—symbolise the void where "the Others" are sent, representing anyone who doesn't fit Gilead's narrow ideals. The regime uses repression and manipulated language to maintain its grip on power.
Remember: The female hierarchy (Wives, Handmaids, Marthas, Econowives) isn't accidental—it's designed to prevent women from uniting against their oppressors.
Core Themes: Religion, Gender, and Resistance
Religion and theocracy form the backbone of Gilead's oppressive system. The regime twists Christian imagery and Biblical stories to justify its control—comparing wives to the Virgin Mary whilst forcing handmaids into sexual slavery. Gilead particularly exploits stories from Genesis, using figures like Jacob as models for their patriarchal society, whilst places like Jezebel's conveniently blame women for sexual immorality.
The gender roles in Gilead reflect a nightmarish version of 1950s domesticity, where every woman fits into a rigid hierarchy. Handmaids and Marthas echo traditional female roles, but with terrifying consequences for stepping out of line. Male characters represent different aspects of patriarchal power, whilst women are pitted against each other—wives as government-controlled matriarchs, Marthas highlighting class inequalities through their housekeeping roles.
Rebellion and resistance appear throughout the novel, though often in small, seemingly insignificant ways. Offred's tiny acts of defiance, the Commander's rule-breaking, and Moira's bold escape attempts all represent different forms of fighting back. Even the act of self-preservation becomes a form of rebellion in this oppressive world.
Key symbols: Red represents both fertility and sin, the Eyes symbolise constant surveillance, and light represents truth breaking through darkness.
Historical Context and Real-World Connections
Understanding the 1980s context makes Atwood's warnings even more powerful. The novel emerged during Ronald Reagan's conservative presidency, when the "Moral Majority" promoted traditional values and religious fundamentalism whilst opposing women's rights movements. Political rebellions around feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and reproductive freedom were being actively resisted by conservative forces.
Atwood deliberately erased racial minorities from her narrative, reflecting how American literature often sidelines these voices—a choice that speaks to broader societal problems. The novel shows how quickly progressive movements can be crushed when authoritarianism takes hold.
The key terminology you'll need includes: Salvaging (public executions), Particicution (group executions), and Prayvaganzas (public celebration gatherings). These events show how Gilead uses spectacle and forced participation to maintain control through fear and complicity.
Offred's three main desires—to survive, to experience genuine human connection (her relationship with Nick), and to have children (which creates jealousy among the Wives)—reveal how basic human needs become weapons of control in totalitarian systems.
Essay tip: Connect Gilead's methods to real historical examples of how authoritarian regimes have used religion, gender roles, and sexual violence to maintain power.
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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
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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
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The Main Themes in The Handmaid’s Tale
Hannah G
@hannahg_
Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Talepresents a chilling vision of a future theocratic state called Gilead, where women's rights have been completely stripped away. Understanding the novel's key themes—from religious oppression to gender control—will help you analyse how Atwood critiques... Show more
Power, Control, and Sexual Violence
The theme of reproduction, rape, and sexual violence sits at the heart of Gilead's power structure. Red handmaids are valued solely for their wombs, reducing them to walking reproductive organs in a deeply dehumanising way. What's particularly disturbing is how Offred doesn't initially recognise the Ceremony as rape—showing how institutionalised sexual violence becomes normalised under patriarchal regimes.
Gilead maintains control and order through a deliberate female hierarchy that prevents women from forming alliances. The Wall displays the bodies of those who've challenged the system, whilst the Colonies serve as a threat of social ostracism for anyone stepping out of line. Religious language becomes another tool of control, with the Eyes representing both God's surveillance and state oppression as one unified force.
The novel functions as a dystopia by showing how quickly society can collapse into totalitarianism. The Colonies—radioactive wastelands—symbolise the void where "the Others" are sent, representing anyone who doesn't fit Gilead's narrow ideals. The regime uses repression and manipulated language to maintain its grip on power.
Remember: The female hierarchy (Wives, Handmaids, Marthas, Econowives) isn't accidental—it's designed to prevent women from uniting against their oppressors.
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Core Themes: Religion, Gender, and Resistance
Religion and theocracy form the backbone of Gilead's oppressive system. The regime twists Christian imagery and Biblical stories to justify its control—comparing wives to the Virgin Mary whilst forcing handmaids into sexual slavery. Gilead particularly exploits stories from Genesis, using figures like Jacob as models for their patriarchal society, whilst places like Jezebel's conveniently blame women for sexual immorality.
The gender roles in Gilead reflect a nightmarish version of 1950s domesticity, where every woman fits into a rigid hierarchy. Handmaids and Marthas echo traditional female roles, but with terrifying consequences for stepping out of line. Male characters represent different aspects of patriarchal power, whilst women are pitted against each other—wives as government-controlled matriarchs, Marthas highlighting class inequalities through their housekeeping roles.
Rebellion and resistance appear throughout the novel, though often in small, seemingly insignificant ways. Offred's tiny acts of defiance, the Commander's rule-breaking, and Moira's bold escape attempts all represent different forms of fighting back. Even the act of self-preservation becomes a form of rebellion in this oppressive world.
Key symbols: Red represents both fertility and sin, the Eyes symbolise constant surveillance, and light represents truth breaking through darkness.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
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Historical Context and Real-World Connections
Understanding the 1980s context makes Atwood's warnings even more powerful. The novel emerged during Ronald Reagan's conservative presidency, when the "Moral Majority" promoted traditional values and religious fundamentalism whilst opposing women's rights movements. Political rebellions around feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and reproductive freedom were being actively resisted by conservative forces.
Atwood deliberately erased racial minorities from her narrative, reflecting how American literature often sidelines these voices—a choice that speaks to broader societal problems. The novel shows how quickly progressive movements can be crushed when authoritarianism takes hold.
The key terminology you'll need includes: Salvaging (public executions), Particicution (group executions), and Prayvaganzas (public celebration gatherings). These events show how Gilead uses spectacle and forced participation to maintain control through fear and complicity.
Offred's three main desires—to survive, to experience genuine human connection (her relationship with Nick), and to have children (which creates jealousy among the Wives)—reveal how basic human needs become weapons of control in totalitarian systems.
Essay tip: Connect Gilead's methods to real historical examples of how authoritarian regimes have used religion, gender roles, and sexual violence to maintain power.
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?
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Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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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