The Handmaid’s Tale, written by Margaret Atwood, is a dystopian novel that has been adapted into an award-winning television series. The novel follows the story of a woman named Offred, who is assigned to the household of the Commander and his wife in a totalitarian society called Gilead. As a Handmaid, Offred is assigned to bear children for the couple, as fertility rates have drastically decreased in Gilead. The novel follows Offred’s journey as she navigates the oppressive society of Gilead and attempts to escape. In this article, we will discuss how the Handmaid’s Tale ends.
Conclusion of Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale ends with Offred being taken away in a van by members of the Eyes, the secret police of Gilead. It is uncertain what fate awaits her, but her story is left open-ended. Offred’s future is left ambiguous, as she expresses hope for a better future for herself and for the other women of Gilead. The novel ends with Offred’s narration, “And so I step up, into the darkness within; or else the light.”
Reflection on Ending
The ambiguous ending of the Handmaid’s Tale reflects the uncertainty of life in a totalitarian society such as Gilead. Offred’s future is unknown, as is the fate of the other Handmaids in Gilead. The ending of the novel also serves as a reminder that the fight for freedom is ongoing, and that hope should never be lost. The novel’s ending is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.
The Handmaid’s Tale is a powerful novel that serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom and hope. The novel’s ending reflects the uncertainty of life in a totalitarian society and serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.