November 2017 Host: Stephanie
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Summary
This novel depicts a dystopian society where totalitarian power
gives women their functions. The women are divided into groups: Wives (infertile), Marthas (for housework and
cooking), Handmaids (fertile) Aunts, or Unwomen. Unwomen are those who are rebellious and are
generally sent to work in toxic waste dumps.
The rest of the women are required to participate in various roles
involving procreation due to the falling birth rates. The main character in
this story is a woman named Offred (of Fred, the commander she serves). Offred may leave the house of the commander
once per day to the market where signs are now pictures, not words, as women
are no longer allowed to read. Handmaids
are valued only if their ovaries are viable, so she desperately wants to get
pregnant when she lies on her back once per month with the commander (with the
commander’s wife by her side). Offred
does remember her past, a husband and daughter, and she does not know where
they are or if they are still alive, and is slowly beginning to forget them. Parts of the world today operate this way
with women having no say in reproductive or other rights, and put into various
categories, which is what makes this novel a bit unsettling, along with the
possibility that this dystopia is possible.
The Handmaid’s tale is a powerful novel which you will most likely never
forget.
Menu
Macaroni and Cheese
Cheese and Crackers, Salad, and Chocolate Pie
