Discover the Creative Inspiration Behind the Costumes in The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” is a seminal work in dystopian fiction. First published in 1985, this novel later became an Emmy award-winning television series. Atwood’s thorough research involves intertwining historical facts with her narrative, emphasizing that if an event hasn’t occurred in history, it should not appear in her work.

Creative Inspiration Behind The Costumes

The iconic red garments and white bonnets of the handmaids are deeply symbolic. Atwood explains that these costumes were partially inspired by a traumatic image from her childhood—specifically, the packaging of Old Dutch cleaning solution from the 1940s. The colors carry significant meaning: red signifies Mary Magdalene and the “Scarlet Letter,” while blue represents the Virgin Mary for the wives.

Historical Context and Influences

• Political Shifts: Atwood’s writing was influenced by the political climate of the early 1980s, particularly following Ronald Reagan’s election.
• Women’s Roles: Conversations around women’s return to domestic roles instigated Atwood’s exploration of gender dynamics.
• Literary Inspiration: George Orwell’s “1984” made a lasting impression on Atwood, prompting her to consider the limitations placed on women’s independence.

Setting of The Handmaid’s Tale

Much of the novel was written in 1984 on a rented typewriter in West Berlin. Atwood’s travels to Eastern Bloc countries exposed her to oppressive regimes and the stark realities of totalitarianism. Her time at Harvard University in the 1960s similarly influenced her portrayal of liberal ideals in contrast to the repressive ideologies of the USSR.

Realities of Oppression

Atwood draws heavily on historical narratives in her work. One notable figure is Mary Webster, dubbed “Half-Hanged Mary,” a woman wrongfully accused of witchcraft in 17th-century New England. Although she survived an attempted execution, her story exemplifies the struggles women have faced throughout history.

A Cautionary Tale

Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” extends beyond mere fiction. Through her research and personal reflections, she crafts a cautionary narrative about the precariousness of freedom. The fusion of history with her storytelling provides crucial insights into societal control and the dynamics of gender, marking her work as a powerful reminder of the past and its implications for the future.