It is difficult, at this point, to pin down exactly what I will focus on in The Handmaid’s Tale. I would really like to research the methods of totalitarian mind control, so that I can discuss similarities found in the book. I don’t think that this can be done without considering Margaret Atwood as well, so I guess I will have to look at her biography. I guess my question would be, why? Why did she write this book, and what is she trying to say in it?


In order to truly nail down Atwood’s purpose, I have to learn more about her as an author and a person. I think a very important part of the book is a rather scathing view of politics, but I don’t know if it’s directed at America or some other country. Since it took place in America, I would assume that is the intended target. I will also have to look at the time frame of the book to figure out if there was some inspirational event that led to Atwood writing this book.

Another aspect that might require a little investigation is the obvious usage of religion in politics throughout the text. Is this the purpose of the book, a warning against religion in politics? Maybe a look at utilizing religion as the means of control and purpose by the totalitarian government, is how I should approach it. Again it is very difficult to figure out exactly how and what I will analyze until I do a little research. It is also very likely that in order to do a thorough analysis of any one part, I will have to look at many other parts.