After a well-respected government and church leader in the small Puritan town of Hadley, Massachusetts, fell ill, locals quickly drew the conclusion that a witch had to be involved.

Webster was at the center of one of the most infamous 'witchcraft' cases preceding the Salem witch trials. She cites one woman's story as a particularly major influence of the book - that of 17th century New England resident, Mary Webster.

Baker (1837-1914) (right).Ītwood has made no secret that 'The Handmaid's Tale' takes inspiration from the Salem witch trials and the demonizing, threatening, and even killing of innocent women that took place during that time. The group that overthrew the United States government and established Gilead in Atwood's dystopian novel is named Sons of Jacob.Ī scene from 'The Handmaid's Tale' (left). The story serves as an inspiration not only for the role of the Handmaids as 'breeders,' but for the entire founding of Gilead. Bilhah gave birth to two sons, both of whom were named by Rachel. Frustrated, Rachel offered up her handmaid, Bilhah, to Jacob as a 'vessel' through which she could have children. While Leah had no trouble conceiving children, Rachel was unable to get pregnant. The center is a direct reference to the Old Testament story of Rachel and her sister Leah, both of whom married Jacob. The Handmaids are trained for their new roles at Gilead's The Rachel and Leah Center (aka The Red Center). The wives and husbands then raise those children while the Handmaids are transferred to another household.

In both the show and the book, Handmaids are forced to give birth to children by high-ranking men after they are subjected to ritualized rape by those same men. 'The meeting of Rachel and Jacob' by William Dyce, 1853 (right). It often indicates a user profile.Įlizabeth Moss in 'The Handmaid's Tale' (left). Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders.

The testament handmaid's tale