Generic Conventions of a Novel

• Chapters, episodes, and volumes.
• Style of language.
• Themes.
• Structure and chronology.
• Setting, space and period.
• Subtext and authorial voice.
• Characterisation, action, dialogue.
• Character archetypes and relationships.
• Imagery, figurative language and literary devices.
• Symbolism and motifs.
• Narrative perspective.
• Tone and mood.

Margaret Atwood’s Style in The Handmaid’s Tale

Episodic Structure – Creates intrigue, provides context, and adds narrative weight through juxtaposition. Flashbacks and the present are not discerned between, likening the novel to a continuous stream of thought.

Names – The Handmaid’s cannot be tracked, with constantly shifting names dependant on their constantly shifting identities, as they are defined by their current Commander. This prevents unity amongst the women of Gilead, and exerts further control.

Diction – Technical jargon of Gilead. (Neologism)

Repeated idea of pairs – Before Offred and Oflgen identity themselves as fellow conspirators, each is described as the other’s double. However, once they connect and begin to rebel, they become ‘Siamese twins’: one being – differentiating them from the other pairs of loyal handmaids.

Mood – Mix of humorous and serious tones highlight Offred’s ability to find levity in oppression, and by contrast emphasise both the grim reality of life under an authoritarian regime and the necessity of high spirits to survive: humour breeds levity and levity breeds hope.

Symbolism through colour.

1st Person Narrator – Fixed narrative voice in Offred, a passive and reactionary protagonist. She is presented as a reliable narrator, as she admits her shortcomings and exaggerations, lending more credibility to her general narrative perspective. Furthermore, we have little reason to distrust her due to her position in society; history is famously told by the victors, so what reason does Offred – a categoric victim to the dominant and victorious regime – have to lie?