In the Handmaid's Tale by Margret Atwood, does the Handmaid system actually repopulate the state?

To determine whether the Handmaid system in "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood actually repopulates the state, we need to delve into the story and examine its elements.

"The Handmaid's Tale" is set in the totalitarian society of Gilead, where fertile women called Handmaids are assigned to high-ranking officials and are forced to bear children for them, due to a widespread infertility crisis. The Handmaid system is a means to address the declining birth rates and sustain the population of Gilead.

However, it is important to note that the primary objective of the Handmaid system is not necessarily to repopulate the state, rather it is a tool to control and exert power over women's bodies. The Handmaids are subjected to strict rules, sexual servitude, and constant surveillance. They are stripped of their individuality, personal autonomy, and any potential agency. Reproduction is seen as their primary purpose, with their children being taken away from them after birth.

Despite the harsh circumstances, the Handmaid system does result in individual pregnancies and births. Handmaids who successfully conceive and deliver a child are highly valued by the regime. Nevertheless, it is difficult to determine if the Handmaid system as a whole effectively repopulates the state due to the limited narrative scope and focus on Offred, the protagonist.

The Handmaid system is depicted as a deeply flawed and oppressive institution, aiming to exert control rather than prioritize the well-being or actual population growth. Instead of addressing the underlying causes of infertility or promoting a sustainable solution, Gilead represses women's rights and freedoms, leading to a narrow focus on reproduction.

In conclusion, while the Handmaid system does result in the birth of children, it is more accurate to view it as a mechanism of control rather than a genuine effort to repopulate the state. The novel portrays the Handmaid system as a dystopian reflection on the treatment of women and the consequences of extreme religious fundamentalism.