Handmaid's Tale Differences Between Novel And Tv
The Handmaid's Tale is a dystopian novel written by Canadian author Margaret Atwood in 1985. It was later adapted into a TV series by Bruce Miller, which premiered in 2017. The story is set in a future America, now known as Gilead, where women are stripped of their rights and are forced into sexual servitude to bear children for the ruling class. While the TV series follows the book's storyline, there are some notable differences between the two mediums.
The Protagonist
The book's protagonist is named Offred, who is a Handmaid assigned to the Commander and his wife. She is portrayed as a passive character who is just trying to survive in a world that has stripped her of her identity. In the TV series, Offred's character is much more active and determined to fight back against the oppressive regime. She is given a name, June, and is shown as a strong and resilient character who is willing to take risks to protect her loved ones.
Expanded Storylines
The TV series expands on some of the minor characters and storylines in the book. For example, in the book, Offred's best friend Moira is only briefly mentioned. In the TV series, Moira's character is given a more prominent role, and we see her struggle to escape from the Handmaid program. The TV series also delves deeper into the backstory of some of the characters, such as Serena Joy, the Commander's wife.
Visual Representation
The book relies heavily on Offred's internal thoughts and emotions to convey the story. In contrast, the TV series uses visual representation to show the audience what is happening. For example, in the book, we are told that the Handmaids wear red dresses and white bonnets. In the TV series, we see the Handmaids in their distinctive outfits, which helps to create a more vivid and immersive world.
New Characters
The TV series introduces some new characters that are not in the book, such as Ofglen's lover. This character adds another layer to the story and shows how some people are willing to risk everything to resist the regime. The TV series also includes characters who are only briefly mentioned in the book, such as Emily, another Handmaid who is sent to the Colonies.
Conclusion
Overall, while the TV series stays true to the book's storyline, it also introduces new characters and expands on some of the minor characters and storylines. The TV series also uses visual representation to create a more immersive world and portrays Offred as a more active and determined character. Whether you prefer the book or the TV series, both are powerful and thought-provoking works that will leave a lasting impression on the reader/viewer.