Analyzing and Summarizing The Handmaid's Tale

When approaching The Handmaid's Tale summary or analysis, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure a comprehensive and effective examination of the text.

Summary Guidelines:

1. Keep the summary concise, aiming for about one-third of the original text's length.
2. Use your own words and avoid direct quotations.
3. Write in the present tense.
4. Maintain a neutral tone.
5. Focus on main points without including a conclusion.

Example: A summary of The Handmaid's Tale chapter 13 might focus on key events and their significance to the overall narrative, without delving into detailed analysis.

Analysis Guidelines:

1. Begin with an introduction that references the task at hand (e.g., "In the following analysis, I will focus on...")
2. Start by discussing the author's message or intention.
3. Analyze the text chronologically or by stylistic device.
4. When examining devices, follow this structure: identify the device, provide a quote, explain its meaning or function.
5. Conclude with a brief summary of your findings without introducing new information.

Highlight: A thorough analysis should consider both the content and the form of the novel, examining how Atwood's narrative techniques contribute to the story's themes and impact.

Language Support:

When writing your analysis, use phrases like:

• "The author argues..."
• "Atwood points out..."
• "This symbolizes..."
• "Another device the author uses frequently is..."

These guidelines will help you create a comprehensive and insightful examination of The Handmaid's Tale themes and literary techniques.

Commenting on The Handmaid's Tale

When writing a comment or opinion piece on "The Handmaid's Tale," it's important to structure your thoughts clearly and support them with evidence from the text. Here's a guide to help you craft a well-reasoned commentary:

Preparation:

1. Form a clear opinion on the text.
2. Collect arguments and examples to support your view.
3. Organize your points, starting with the weakest and building to the strongest.
4. Consider incorporating stylistic devices like rhetorical questions or hyperbole to enhance your writing.

Structure:

1. Introduction:

   • Present the issue or topic you're addressing.
   • Grab the reader's attention with a compelling opening.
   • Briefly summarize the author's main points.

2. Main Body:

   • If you disagree with Atwood's portrayal or themes:
     • Start by acknowledging parts you agree with.
     • Gradually build up your counterarguments.
   • If you agree with Atwood:
     • Provide additional examples or evidence to support her points.

3. Conclusion:

   • Summarize your opinion.
   • Offer potential solutions or predictions for future developments.
   • Avoid introducing new arguments at this stage.

Example: A comment on The Handmaids Tale feminism might discuss how Atwood's portrayal of gender roles in Gilead relates to contemporary issues of reproductive rights and gender equality.

Highlight: Remember to maintain a balanced tone throughout your commentary, acknowledging the complexity of the issues Atwood raises in the novel.

By following this structure, you can create a thoughtful and well-argued commentary on various aspects of "The Handmaid's Tale," such as its dystopian elements, narrative techniques, or thematic content.

The Handmaid's Tale: Characters and Setting

Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, published in 1985, is set in the Republic of Gilead, a dystopian version of the United States. The novel's protagonist and narrator is Offred, a Handmaid whose experiences form the core of the story.

Key characters in the novel include:

1. Offred: The protagonist and narrator
2. The Commander: A high-ranking official to whom Offred is assigned
3. Serena Joy: The Commander's wife
4. Moira: Offred's friend from before Gilead
5. Nick: The Commander's driver and a potential ally for Offred

Definition: Handmaids - Women in Gilead who are forced to bear children for the ruling class due to widespread infertility.

The society of Gilead is strictly stratified, with different classes of women identified by their clothing colors:

• Wives of Commanders: Blue
• Handmaids: Red
• Aunts (who train Handmaids): Brown
• Marthas (domestic servants): Green
• Econowives (wives of lower-ranking men): Striped blue, red, and green

Example: The color-coded clothing in Gilead serves as a visual representation of the rigid social hierarchy and the loss of individual identity.

This detailed character and setting information provides crucial context for understanding The Handmaids Tale themes and the complex social dynamics at play in the story.