Margaret Atwood and her 1985 novel The Handmaid’s Tale have become a trending topic following the dissolution of Roe v Wade. Thus, it is no doubt that Hulu’s series has become quite popular. Of course, following its release in 2016, The Handmaid’s Tale became a fan favorite, simply due to the way in which it captures the dark nature of the world we live in, as well as the possible restrictive future world.
Although The Handmaid’s Tale exposes the dark realities of the world, it also illustrates the power of and within the people. With Elizabeth Moss taking the lead role as June Osburne, the story brings forth some intense struggles that people put together to resist the corrupt and brutal Gilead society. There are some key takes from the series that might reflect on the struggles, and revolutions of the world, as well as some lessons for possible fighters against corruption. This article unpacks the fight against Gilead in order to analyze what messages it can convey to the audience.
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The Handmaid’s Tale: How the Show Unpacks the World’s Dark Reality
“Divided we fall, united we stand”
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This simple phrase carries so much meaning and power that it can be seen as a basis for successful struggles and revolutions. The Handmaid’s Tale perfectly captures the importance of this statement, and visually illustrates its meaning. At the start of the series, we see the narrator, June Osburne, doubting her fellow handmaids. Her walking partner known as Ofglen, under Gilead rule (Alexis Bledel), is portrayed as someone who is not trustworthy, as she seems to be loyal to the Gilead rules. This is why June seems to struggle to have hope. However, as she realizes that handmaids like Ofglen, later revealed to be Dr. Emily Malek, are, in fact, those fighting their own individual battles, it gives her the necessary strength to start fighting. This ultimately paves the way for June to help Emily escape with the former’s daughter, Nichole.
As the series progresses, we see June orchestrating a huge breakthrough for the victims of Gilead. At the end of season three, we see many marthas and handmaids coming together to save over 100 children from Gilead. It is notable how even if one martha or handmaid betrayed them, the whole plan would’ve failed. However, through teamwork and determination, they were able to successfully execute this plan. Thus, the importance of coming together by setting aside each other’s differences is one important lesson from this series.
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 4 Teaser Trailer Has June Ready to Unite and Fight in 2021
Infiltrating The Higher-Ups
MGM Television
The hierarchical system might seem archaic, but it is definitely undeniable that it exists today. In almost every country, the rich and the powerful govern the state, while the lower classes struggle. The governments of the countries lack transparency, so the people are kept in the dark. This is heavily emphasized in the series, by mapping the way in which Gilead came into being. Interestingly, until the last moment, the people of America (as per the series) were fed lies so that the Sons of Jacob could easily take over. Following the establishment of the Gilead society, we see a clear-cut hierarchical system where those in the lower statuses are treated as mere machines.
Yet again, the resistance of the people does not allow the higher-ups of the Gilead society to sleep peacefully. This is illustrated through the way in which the handmaids and marthas use Commander Joseph Lawrence (Bradley Whitford). If they did not have the support of Commander Lawrence, it might have been difficult to help more than 100 children and marthas escape Gilead, and get Fred Waterford to pay for his crimes. Of course, there may not be Commander Lawrences all the time. However, there have been many instances throughout history, where people have infiltrated the higher-ups through sheer determination and people’s power. Case in point, the recent infiltration of the Sri Lankan President’s official house by the Sri Lankan people paved the way for the corrupt leader to resign.
Individual Resistance By Standing One’s Ground
Everyday simple and individual battles are powerful on their own, and this is something that The Handmaid’s Tale elaborates on. The way in which June speaks against the Waterfords, and also, Emily’s attack on Aunt Lydia, are both powerful scenarios that indicate their strength and resistance. What is important about such battles is that they allow the individuals to reestablish their grounds and take back their authority.
Individual resistance is what ultimately leads to the people’s power. When an individual taps into the power within them, it gives them hope and urges them to continue the resistance. Of course, resistance comes in many forms, and is not limited to breaking the rules. The way in which Janine goes back to the red center and helps other handmaids can also be seen as one form of resistance, as she is breaking the norm by supporting those like her. The moment the handmaids share their original names is another form of individual and subtle resistance.
A Pain Shared by All = A Group of Fighters
Understanding one another is definitely an important lesson that every single individual should incorporate into their lives. We might be different and unique, however, if we are able to understand another’s pain, we will be able to be stronger together and accept one another without discrimination. This is yet another theme illustrated by the series.
The reason why the handmaids unite in the first place, is that they all share the pain of facing discrimination from the Gilead authorities. Furthermore, the moment Serena sides with June and helps her to ensure that Nichole is taken from Gilead to Canada, we see the two coming together as a group of fighters. By setting aside their differences and accepting that they both share the pain that parents face when their child/children’s future is at stake allows them to help save Nichole.
