This is a futuristic novel that takes place in northern USA sometime in the beginning of the twenty-first century, in the oppressive and totalitarian Republic of Gilead. The regime demands high moral, retribution and a virtuous lifestyle. The Bible is the guiding principle. As a result of the sexual freedom, free abortion and a high increase of venereal diseases at the end of the twentieth century, many women, and men also, but that is forbidden to say, are sterile. The women, who are still fertile, are recruited as Handmaids, and their only mission in life is to give birth to...
a series of recordings, which describes her life, and the things she wishes she could change. Through these examples, it is apparent that Offred cannot face her problems because of outside circumstances.

Works such as "The Handmaid"s Tale" deal with females being unable to face their problems. Many authors have written on this subject matter. Though some problems are unavoidable, one can overcome certain situations by being more assertive. Along with male domination and the laws of society, women have had to contend with other challenging and oppressing situations. Despite this, women in modern society are becoming more powerful.