Content & Trigger Warnings for The Handmaid's Tale (1985)
10 content warnings identified for this book.
Quick Summary
Yes, The Handmaid's Tale (1985) contains 10 content warnings : Homophobia / transphobia (depicted), Religious persecution, Forced institutionalization, Suicide (discussed or ideation), Forced marriage, Gaslighting / emotional manipulation, Sexual coercion / non-consensual situations, Gore / graphic violence, Sexual assault / rape, Torture.
The most severe warnings are for Religious persecution (severity 4/5), Forced institutionalization (severity 4/5), Forced marriage (severity 5/5), Gaslighting / emotional manipulation (severity 4/5), Sexual coercion / non-consensual situations (severity 5/5), Sexual assault / rape (severity 5/5).
Check the full breakdown below before you read.
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| Warning | Severity | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity & Discrimination | |||
| Homophobia / transphobia (depicted) | 3/5 | Depicted | 'Gender traitors' (LGBTQ+ people) persecuted and killed |
| Religious persecution | 4/5 | Depicted | Theocratic oppression; non-conforming religions persecuted |
| Mental Health & Emotional | |||
| Forced institutionalization | 4/5 | Depicted | Re-education centers (the Red Center) for Handmaids |
| Suicide (discussed or ideation) | 3/5 | Depicted | Suicidal ideation present; previous Handmaid's suicide referenced |
| Other | |||
| Forced marriage | 5/5 | Depicted | Women forced into the Handmaid role; sexual slavery |
| Gaslighting / emotional manipulation | 4/5 | Depicted | State propaganda and social control throughout |
| Sexual Content | |||
| Sexual coercion / non-consensual situations | 5/5 | Depicted | Forced reproduction; women's bodily autonomy completely removed |
| Violence & Physical Harm | |||
| Gore / graphic violence | 3/5 | Depicted | Public executions depicted |
| Sexual assault / rape | 5/5 | Depicted | Ritualized rape ('the Ceremony') is central to the story |
| Torture | 3/5 | Depicted | Punishment scenes including mutilation and hanging |
Identity & Discrimination
'Gender traitors' (LGBTQ+ people) persecuted and killed
Mental Health & Emotional
Suicidal ideation present; previous Handmaid's suicide referenced
Other
Sexual Content
Forced reproduction; women's bodily autonomy completely removed