Question #2: The Role of the Handmaid

[[deleted user]]

Atwood draws out the reveal of the Handmaid’s roles in Gilead. If this was your first time reading – how did you react to the reveal? If you have read the novel before, did you notice anything new about Atwood’s writing?

[Ashley]

I first read The Handmaid's Tale many years ago, and while the premise of the novel has always stayed with me, I could not remember exactly how the story unfolded, so while I was reading this time around, I was paying close attention to how Atwood reveals information about Gilead and the handmaids.

I really love how Atwood slowly sets the scene, not explicitly explaining to the reader this is the situation, but doling out pieces so the reader gradually comes to understand the specific role of the handmaid. It feels heartbreaking to me this way - Atwood asks you to connect with Offred, and then leads you to see how drastically her life has changed. How truly terrible her circumstances have become.

[Kate]

I love it when authors choose to show rather than tell, especially in a situation like this. You know what's coming somehow but seeing the reveal is all the more shocking since you were desperately hoping to not be proven right.

[Susan]

My first reading: I felt that Atwood signalled that something was not as it had always been, and then leads you into current state in Gilead slowly in order to build up the reader's discomfort with the situation and connection with Offred. I may have spoiled it for myself by reading Atwood's introduction which is a new one in the ebook I was reading as it mentions the upcoming TV rendition. On the other hand, it made me more mindful of paying attention to the details. I also thought the contract of present day / past was an excellent way to show the evolution of girls to Handmaids.