question icon

What is a Handmaid?

Category: Literature
Explanation:

A Handmaid is a woman who is assigned to bear children for a higher-ranking couple in a dystopian society. This concept is primarily seen in the book and TV show "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood. In this totalitarian society, fertility rates have drastically decreased, and therefore, women who are still able to bear children are considered very valuable assets. As a result, the government assigns Handmaids -- who are typically unmarried, fertile women -- to the homes of the ruling class. These women are stripped of their previous identities, given new names (e.g., Offred, Ofglen), and are forced to wear a specific uniform that consists of a red dress and a white bonnet.

Was this helpful? star star star star star No votes.
Cite this page

What is a Handmaid?. (2023, May 10). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/qa/literature/what-is-a-handmaid

Answered by StudyMoose
One of our experts proficient in Literature provided the explanation to this question. Feel free to rate the answer and let us know if you liked it.
Live chat  with support 24/7

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

get help with your assignment