What is a Handmaid?

The Handmaid is an archetype of womanhood that has been acknowledged historically and in modern culture. First introduced in Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel “The Handmaid’s Tale,” it is a symbol of the dreadful consequences of severe, oppressive patriarchy. The term Handmaid is used to describe a person who is stripped of their autonomy and forced into servitude and conformity. As a result, Handmaids are viewed as lesser than their male counterparts and are treated as objects rather than autonomous individuals.

A Brief History of The Handmaid

The term “Handmaid” was first used to describe a person who had a servile role serving a wealthy family in the 16th century. The term originated from a Latin term “ancilla,” which translates to “maid.” The Handmaid tradition is rooted in the Old Testament from the Bible, with Abraham’s new wife Sarah asking her husband to marry her maid Hagar in order to bear him a son, Ishmael. Although the tradition of Handmaids has existed in various cultures for centuries, the most well-known example is Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel “The Handmaid’s Tale.” The novel follows the protagonist Offred, a Handmaid for the ruling class in a dystopian society.

The Handmaid’s Tale and Its Cultural Resonance

Atwood’s tale has become a powerful symbol of oppressed womanhood in recent decades. The novel and its 1990 film adaptation shed light on the realities faced by women in oppressive societal systems. Handmaids are a constant reminder of how women are treated as objects whose autonomy and freedom is stripped away. In 2020, the term “Handmaids” was used to describe women in the US protesting against the restriction of access to reproductive care. On the surface, Handmaids symbolize a society in which women are subjugated and oppressed, but Atwood’s work invites readers to consider the implicit and explicit power dynamics that enable such oppressive regimes.

In conclusion, the Handmaids represent a long tradition of oppressed and subjugated women throughout history. The theme of oppression is deeply entrenched in popular culture, but Atwood’s work brings that theme to the forefront. The representation of Handmaids is a powerful reminder of the importance of autonomy and freedom, particularly in times when they are being denied. By looking at the Handmaid archetype critically, we can gain a better understanding of the effects of oppressive systems and the importance of advocating for women’s rights.