Examines Atwood's dystopian tale, and also includes a chronology of the author's life, information on the importance of the book and its critical reception, an in-depth reading of the text, and a selected list of works cited.

Includes index.

The importance of the work -- Critical reception -- Reading of the text -- Introduction -- The lay of the land -- The time before -- "Sororize" -- Ofluke, offred, ofnick -- Historical notes -- The body of the tale -- From twisted sister to twisted scripture -- Name game -- Body language -- Last laugh -- Postscript.