The Fantasy and Dystopian Genres

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The Fantasy Genre

The Handmaid's Tale is also largely based in the fantasy genre and is included in the 'Imagined Worlds' section of the exam.

Fantasy novels are usually written to entertain.

As is typical of the fantasy genre, Atwood write outside the realms of normality and reality, but combine it with historical elements to make her plot believable.

Within this genre, there is a sub-genre called speculative fiction. Speculative fiction aims to make us reflect about our own society or lives. Atwood's novel challenges readers to reflection on their own identity and cultural beliefs about children and love.

Characteristics of the fantasy genre:

magic or other supernatural elements as a main plot element, theme or setting (this is unthinkable to us, as it doesn't normally happen, much like the whole set-up of Gileadan society)

steers clear of scientific and macabre themes

predominantly of the medievalist form

leaks into the apparently 'real world' setting, almost creating a parallel universe similar to our own (e.g. Nick cleaning the car and Offred going shopping are 'real world' elements in The Handmaid's Tale)

usually a world that can never be (sci-fy is a world that doesn't exist yet)

intricate world-building, set in a different world, past or present

battle between good and evil, and the defeat of the antagonist

imagining impossible or improbable things, that have their basis in reality (e.g. mass hangings, the Ceremony, taking a child away from an 'unfit' mother)

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Genres linked with The Handmaid's Tale

Dystopian - A dystopia is a society which is set in another time, usually with some sort of hierarchy, dehumanisation, totalitarian rule and other characteristics that contribute to a cataclysmic decline. This makes dystopian the opposite to utopian.

Sci-fy - This genre usually describes a different version of the same place, or a different society, usually a society that doesn't exist (yet). The society in The Handmaid's Tale once had technology for things such as ultrasound scans and mobile phones, but they choose not to use it.

Romance - There are elements of romance in the novel with the memories of Luke, Offred's affair with Nick, and the Commander's attempts at affection.

War - There are references throughout the novel that depict a religious war that is still ongoing. Offred's suggestions of propaganda throughout the novel also link the theme of war.

Historical Fiction - There are many historical parallels in the novel, as Atwood stated that she didn't allow any events to occur in Gilead without them happening at some point in history. A few examples are mass hangings, the threat of nuclear war and the hierarchical system of Nazi Germany.

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Real Life and Fantasy elements in Chapter 5

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Real Life Context that Influenced Atwood

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Similarities with The Hunger Games

Separation is key - to separate people so the state can gain power over them (Katniss is separated from Peeta, her family and Gale at different points; Offred is completely cut off from her husband, daughter, mother and best friend)

Government control (The Capitol and The Republic of Gilead)

Katniss reminds herself of who she is and where she comes from, which is similar to what Offred does throughout her memories.

Backstory of war (rebellion against the Capitol and the Republic of Gilead (MayDay)

People in the Capitol dress garishly, in bright colours, to show off their wealth and status, whereas people in the districts dress in workwear. This links to the uniforms of different groups in The Handmaid's Tale.

division of districts/functions (roles in The Handmaid's Tale)

Propaganda - news story on TV that seems false to Offred and the 'propos' of the rebels in The Hunger Games

Places changing function - In The Hunger Games, District 12 and District 13 change because of Government bombings. In The Handmaid's Tale, the university used to be a place of learning, now it is a place of control, (Red Centre)

theme of daily routine

theme of survival

theme of surveillance

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