Inspiration Behind Costumes in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”

Margaret Atwood, renowned for her dystopian narratives, has shared the compelling inspirations behind costumes in her acclaimed novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale.” During a recent discussion in Toronto, Atwood highlighted her meticulous research process, which includes an extensive archive at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library.

Inspiration and Context of “The Handmaid’s Tale”

Published in 1985, “The Handmaid’s Tale” reflects Atwood’s keen observations of socio-political climates. The novel is set against the backdrop of a world where women face extreme repression. Atwood’s writing philosophy insists that every aspect of her stories is rooted in real events, ensuring authenticity.

Political Climate and Creative Influence

The inciting inspiration for her novel emerged in 1981, following Ronald Reagan’s election. This period marked a rise in the religious right’s political influence. Atwood recalls a conversation that stirred her awareness of the implications of women’s roles as they began to gain independence in the workforce. She questioned how society would react to these changes, especially regarding traditional gender roles.

Costume Motifs and Symbolism

• Red Cloaks and Bonnets: The iconic outfit worn by the Handmaids is drawn from Atwood’s childhood memories of the Old Dutch Cleanser packaging. This nostalgic yet haunting imagery inspired her vision of the Handmaids’ uniforms.
• Color Significance: The Handmaids are clad in red, symbolizing Mary Magdalene, while the Wives wear blue, representing the Virgin Mary. These color choices are deeply rooted in religious symbolism.

Locations and Historical Context

Atwood wrote much of her book on a typewriter in West Berlin during 1984. Her experiences in Eastern Europe, witnessing totalitarian regimes, profoundly influenced her understanding of power and its overreaches. This insight provided a rich background for the thematic elements of her novel.

Real-life Inspirations

Harvard University features prominently in the narrative, reflecting Atwood’s familiarity with the institution from her time as a graduate student. She expressed concern over the complacency surrounding the idea that totalitarianism couldn’t happen in well-established democracies.

Atwood also acknowledged her dedication to Mary Webster, also known as “Half-Hanged Mary,” a woman executed for witchcraft in 17th century New England. This historical figure exemplifies the novel’s exploration of women’s suffering and resilience in oppressive societies.

Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” continues to resonate today, serving as a powerful commentary on gender, politics, and societal control. The attention to detail in her research and storytelling has cemented its status as a landmark of dystopian literature.