Exploring the Term 'Handmaids' in Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale

Introduction

Elizabeth Gaskell once said, "Every great story has a strong female character, and every great story tells us something about our society and the status of women within it." Margaret Atwood's seminal work, The Handmaid's Tale, certainly meets this criterion. The term 'Handmaid' itself carries significant weight and is deeply intertwined with themes of gender oppression, control, and dehumanization. This article delves into why these characters are called 'Handmaids,' tracing their historical origins and exploring how Atwood has recontextualized this term for her dystopian narrative.

Historical Context of the Term 'Handmaid'

The term 'handmaid' is an ancient one, primarily associated with female servants or slaves who served the wealthy and influential, particularly in matters of reproduction. This term has roots in biblical texts, where it describes women who were used to produce heirs for barren wives. One prominent example is found in the Old Testament, specifically in Genesis 30. In this text, Rachel, desperate for children, suggests to her husband Jacob that he should take her handmaid, Bilhah, as a wife to bear children for her. Each woman counts the children borne by the handmaid as her own. This arrangement was a common practice in ancient societies, especially in cases where a wife was unable to bear children.

Similarly, handmaids or handmaidens in a historical context were female servants who assisted the dominant women of the household. These roles included tasks such as dressing them, attending to their chamber pots, caring for their children, and doing laundry. The term 'handmaid' often implied a position of subservience and dependency, highlighting the imbalance of power between the master and the servant.

The Supreme Court of Atwood: A New Context for 'Handmaid'

Atwood's novel, however, is far from a historical reenactment. The term 'handmaid' in The Handmaid's Tale is much more than a simple descriptor; it is a multifaceted construct that encapsulates profound themes of oppression, control, and dehumanization. In the dystopian world Atwood creates, the term 'handmaid' is used to symbolize women who are reduced to mere vessels for procreation, stripped of their individual identities and agency. This use of language is crucial in highlighting the social and political mechanisms that can diminish women's rights and reduce them to objects.

The choice of the name underscores the themes of oppression and control presented throughout the novel. Handmaids are not viewed as individuals with the right to choose their life paths. Instead, they are seen as property, part of the property of the ruling class that values them solely for their reproductive capabilities. Their primary purpose within this society is to serve the needs of the elite, specifically in terms of procreation, which is central to the society's survival amid widespread infertility. This dehumanization is a critical element of the novel, illustrating the dangers of extreme patriarchal control and the loss of agency for women.

Themes of Control and Dehumanization

The concept of 'handmaids' in Atwood's novel is not just a literary device but a central critique of power dynamics and gender roles. The naming and classification of women as 'handmaids' serve to strip them of their humanity, reducing them to their reproductive potential only. This act of dehumanization is emblematic of the broader societal control and patriarchal structure that seeks to monopolize female bodies and destinies.

Atwood's novel explores how societal structures can erode individual freedoms and impose rigid rules and regulations that govern women's lives. The name 'handmaid' is an embodiment of this control, reminding readers of the dire consequences that ensue when women are relegated to a position of such subjugation. The term not only represents the physical bodies of the women but also serves as a reminder of the loss of personal autonomy and agency that such a society demands.

Conclusion

The Handmaid's Tale is a poignant exploration of power, oppression, and the dehumanization of women. The term 'handmaid' is more than just a label; it is a symbol of the broader societal and political structures that perpetuate inequality and control. Margaret Atwood's use of this term is masterful, serving as both a historical reference and a stark warning to the present. Understanding why characters are called 'handmaids' is crucial to grasping the depth and significance of her message. As Gaskell noted, the character Elizabeth Gaskell brought to life in The Handmaid's Tale is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for women's rights and the dangers of ignoring these issues.

By delving into the historical origins and contemporary recontextualization of the term 'handmaid,' we can gain a deeper appreciation for Atwood's intent and the complex themes she addresses in her seminal work. The term 'handmaid' is not merely a reference to the past, but a stark call to action for the present and future.