Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel has been pulled from school libraries across the United States due to its controversial themes, drawing criticism and sparking renewed debate about censorship in education.
A Dystopian Future Where Women’s Rights Are Erased
The Handmaid’s Tale, first published in 1985, is set in a bleak, dystopian future ruled by the Republic of Gilead — a totalitarian, theocratic regime that completely strips women of their rights.
A Story Told by a Handmaid
The narrative follows Offred, a young woman from a lower social class, who is forced to serve as a “handmaid” in a government official’s household. In Gilead, where fertility rates have plummeted, women are used as reproductive tools for the ruling elite.
A Critique of Patriarchy and Religious Extremism
Through sharp political, gender, and social commentary, the novel highlights the role of women in male-dominated societies. Despite widespread critical acclaim, the book has faced backlash, particularly from conservative groups in the U.S., leading to its removal from many school libraries.
Banned in Over 5,000 Schools
By 2022, The Handmaid’s Tale was listed among 1,648 banned books in 5,049 schools across 32 U.S. states. Its exploration of topics such as religious extremism, homosexuality, and feminism has been cited as the reason for its prohibition.
One official letter from the state of Texas to school boards stated: “No child should be exposed to content that causes discomfort based on gender, religious values, or race.”
Defiance in Gilead and Beyond
One of the novel’s standout characters, Moira, symbolizes resistance and nonconformity. Her refusal to submit to Gilead’s laws marks her as a rebel — a voice of dissent within a system built on oppression.
Censorship Beyond U.S. Borders
The novel has also faced censorship in Canada for “offensive language” and excessive violence. Spain and Portugal have removed it from schools as well, citing concerns over its religious and racial themes.
Author Margaret Atwood has publicly defended her work, calling the censorship “absurd” and warning against religious interference in public education. “The main character,” she wrote, “is simply trying to survive.”
From: ibna