The iconic dystopian work “The Handmaid’s Tale” written by Margaret Atwood, is once again in the literary spotlight. Recently, publisher Penguin Random House released a fireproof edition of the book as part of a campaign against censorship of literary works.
Originally published in 1985, the novel gained fame for being one of the most persecuted and banned in schools in the United States and around the world.
The Symbology Behind Fireproof Edition
The publisher explained in a statement that the action was inspired by the current reality in which books they are being questioned, banned and even burned in different parts of the world.
The fireproof special edition of “The Handmaid’s Tale” will be auctioned by Sotheby’s New York until June 7th, with proceeds going to Pen America, an organization that fights for freedom of expression in America. U.S.
The symbolism behind this edition is profound. The story of “The Handmaid’s Tale” takes place in a dystopian future where oppression is a cruel reality, especially for women.
The protagonist, Offred, is a “handmaid,” a woman assigned to procreate in a world where fertility is scarce. The plot addresses themes such as government oppression, female submission, state control and religious manipulation.
The television series “The Handmaid’s Tale”, based on Atwood’s work and released in 2017, has also received numerous awards and positive reviews for its courageous exploration of social and political issues current.
In a video promoting the special edition, Margaret Atwood, the 82-year-old author, appears using a flamethrower, a powerful representation that the written word cannot be silenced by the fire of censorship. Watch below.
“The Handmaid’s Tale” transcends the fictional genre and serves as a timeless warning about the dangers of fanaticism, the suppression of individual freedom and religious manipulation.
The fireproof edition is a reminder that literature has the power to challenge norms, question systems of oppression and open essential dialogues on important topics.
