What is the main theme of "The Handmaid's Tale"?

The main theme of "The Handmaid's Tale" centers on the oppression of women, which is vividly illustrated through the depiction of a dystopian society where women are stripped of their rights and autonomy. In the Republic of Gilead, women are categorized and controlled based on their reproductive capabilities, effectively reducing them to their biological functions. This oppressive regime enforces a strict hierarchy that denies women freedom, education, and personal identity, showcasing the consequences of extreme patriarchal governance.

The experiences of the protagonist, Offred, serve as a poignant reflection of the loss of individual rights and the struggle for self-identity in a repressive society. The narrative raises critical questions about gender roles, power dynamics, and the systemic forces that perpetuate inequality. It highlights how the control over women's bodies and choices constitutes a broader commentary on societal patriarchal structures, making the theme of women's oppression central to the text.

While rebellion against authority is an important aspect of the story, it is ultimately the treatment and subjugation of women that provides the foundation for the novel's unsettling exploration of dystopia and authority. Other themes, such as the importance of family and the pursuit of happiness, are intertwined within the framework of oppression but do not encapsulate the primary focus