The Handmaid's Tale Character Profiles

These flashcards cover major character profiles and key concepts from 'The Handmaid's Tale', focusing on themes, symbolism, and character methods used in the narrative.

Offred

The protagonist of 'The Handmaid's Tale', who evolves from submissive to subversive.

Symbolism of Offred’s Name

Her name means 'Of Fred', symbolizing female subservience to male dominance.

The Color Red

Symbolizes fertility, menstrual blood, and life; also represents violence and desire in Gilead.

Dynamic Character

A character who undergoes significant internal change, such as Offred's transition from compliance to resistance.

The Commander

A figure of authority in Gilead, representing oppressive patriarchal control, who appears sympathetic yet embodies evil.

Aunt Lydia

An indoctrinator of Handmaids at the Red Centre, symbolizing oppressive female complicity in a patriarchal society.

Moira

Offred's rebellious friend who embodies female resistance, ultimately facing the harsh realities of Gilead.

Serena Joy

The Commander's wife, who represents hypocrisy and oppresses other women despite her own subjugation.

Reagan-Era Conservatism

Political context for 'The Handmaid's Tale', illustrating how extreme conservatism can lead to oppression.

The Underground Femaleroad

A reference to the Underground Railroad, alluding to the secretive escape routes for Handmaids.

‘Nolite te bastardes carborundorum’

A mantra of resilience that translates to 'Don't let the bastards grind you down.'

The Cautionary Tale

Atwood's purpose in writing 'The Handmaid's Tale', to warn against the dangers of an oppressive theocracy.

The concept of Banality of Evil

A term suggesting that ordinary individuals can perpetuate evil without being overtly malevolent, likened to The Commander.

The Role of Women in Gilead

Women’s identities are reduced to their reproductive capabilities and roles within the oppressive regime.

Patronymics

Naming convention where Handmaids take the name of their commanders, signifying ownership and subservience.

Rebellion and Submission

The thematic struggle of characters in 'The Handmaid's Tale' contrasting rebellion (Moira, Offred) with submission (Aunt Lydia, Serena Joy).

Gilead

A dystopian society in 'The Handmaid's Tale' that enforces strict gender roles and religious oppression.

Christian Symbolism

Elements in the text that draw on Christian iconography to frame the values of Gilead, particularly regarding women.

Power Dynamics

The interactions between characters highlight the hierarchies within Gilead, affecting relationships and control.