The Handmaids Tale

Summary Of Novel

Plot Summary
Revolution USA-- Becomes bible based (theocratic) Republic of Gilead. Protagonist 30 year old women- Seperated from Husband and Child--Sent to brainwash camp (Red Centre). Trained as handmaid= Job as birth mother for hierarchy.

 On her third assignment-- Hasnt got pregnant-Needs to-- otherwise become an unwoman-- clean up toxic waste in Colonies -- will die soon after.
Unwomen= Jews, African Americans, Catholics, Others chosen by regime-- Not allowed in Gilead.

 Offred=walking womb-- Duty to maintain white population. Spends life mostly thinking about past-Seeking escape from her new one-- including thinking about suicide.

 Everyone in Gilead = potential informer. Offred friends= Ofglen-- another Handmaid

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Nick-- secret affair-- arranges her escape through Underground female road--Try to get to Canada-Last chapters men take from masters house-Offred not sure if she is being arrested or taken by secret police (anyone can be an informant)-- reader not told either

 End of novel Historical Notes-- mystery of Offred fate not cleared up-- scholars interested in her as academic phenomenon-- not person.

Plot Elements
Exposition: Provided in piece throughout several chapters Rising action: Offreds evenings with the Commander; her shopping trips with Ofglen; her visit to Jezebels Climax: After learning that Ofglen committed suicide to avoid arrest, Offred returns home and Serena confronts her about her trip to Jezebels. Falling action: Offreds arrest or escape at the end of the novel Denouement: Historical Notes (Very explicit denoument)