Margaret Atwood, the renowned author of dystopian fiction, shared insights into her acclaimed work, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” during a recent interview. This novel, published in 1985, was adapted into an Emmy award-winning television series. Atwood’s research process is meticulous; she integrates historical truths into her storytelling. For her, if an event hasn’t occurred at some point in history, it does not belong in her narratives.
Influences and Inspirations
One pivotal moment that inspired Atwood’s narrative occurred in 1981. Following the election of Ronald Reagan, the political landscape shifted. The rise of the religious right as an influential force prompted Atwood to reflect on women’s roles in society. Atwood recounted a conversation with a friend, who relayed concerning attitudes towards women returning to domesticity.
Atwood was also influenced by George Orwell’s “1984,” a book that left a significant impression on her during her teenage years. She questioned how society could revert women to the home amidst their growing independence and workforce participation.
The Iconic Costumes
The striking red cloaks and white bonnets worn by the handmaids are emblematic of the novel’s themes. Atwood stated that these outfits were partly inspired by the packaging of Old Dutch cleaning solution from the 1940s, a traumatic image from her childhood. The colors of the costumes are symbolic; red represents Mary Magdalene and the “Scarlet Letter,” while blue is associated with the Virgin Mary for the wives.
Setting and Context
Much of “The Handmaid’s Tale” was penned on a rented typewriter in West Berlin in 1984. During her travels to Eastern Bloc countries, Atwood observed oppressive regimes and the consequences of totalitarianism. Harvard University, where Atwood studied in the 1960s, serves as a central setting in her dystopian narrative. She believed it embodied the ideals of liberal America that contrasted sharply with the USSR’s ideologies.
The Realities of Oppression
Atwood’s narrative draws heavily from historical realities faced by women across various cultures and periods. One significant figure in her writing is Mary Webster, also known as “Half-Hanged Mary,” a woman wrongfully accused of witchcraft in 17th century New England. Despite being exonerated, she was hanged by local townspeople but survived and lived for another 14 years, exemplifying the resilience of women throughout history.
Conclusion
Through her extensive research and personal experiences, Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” transcends fiction. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the fragility of freedom and the historical reality of women’s struggles. The interplay of history and narrative in her work offers profound insights into societal control and gender dynamics.
