3.1.1

Dedications

Test yourself

Dedications in The Handmaid's Tale

Atwood dedicated The Handmaid's Tale to two important people: her ancestor, Mary Webster and Professor Perry Miller.

Illustrative background for Mary WebsterIllustrative background for Mary Webster ?? "content

Mary Webster

  • Mary Webster was Atwood's ancestor from a North American Puritan background.
  • She was accused of being a witch in 1693 in Connecticut. Webster was hanged but miraculously survived and was allowed to walk free.
  • There are clear parallels between Webster and Offred, who are both women who opposed and survived (we hope for Offred!) the laws placed upon them.
Illustrative background for Perry MillerIllustrative background for Perry Miller ?? "content

Perry Miller

  • Atwood also dedicates her novel to Perry Miller, who was a Professor and Director of American Studies at Harvard University, where Atwood studied.
  • He was an expert of the History of Puritan American, which is what inspired the writing and setting of The Handmaid's Tale.

Jump to other topics

1Author Background

1.1Margaret Atwood

2Chapter Summaries

3Dedications & Epigraph

3.1Dedications & Epigraph

4Context

5Narrative Structure & Literary Techniques

6Themes & Imagery

7Characters

8Readings

8.1Readings of The Handmaid's Tale

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson