Here's Why The Handmaid's Tale Emily Had It Easy Compared To Eden

Summary:

• The Handmaid's Tale is the Hulu TV series based on Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel of the same name.
• The Republic of Gilead is a totalitarian patriarchal theocracy that is believed to live by a system that allows the birth rate to increase greatly.
• Punishments in Gilead are not linear, as the same crime of infidelity led to very different consequences for Emily and Eden.

If there's one TV show that no one wants to be true, it's The Handmaid's Tale. Based on the novel by Margaret Atwood, the show is truly chilling to the bone in the way a totalitarian state treats its women and children.

Unfortunately, the reality that seems dystopian is already very close to reality in some parts of the world. However, to imagine the same thing happening instead of the United States is very sobering and truly horrifying. In this respect, the creators of the show have done a wonderful job.

What confuses viewers the most is the way Gilead works. Even though the system doesn't seem to be the most effective, it claims great success in increasing the birth rate. Even though the rules are the same for everyone, the punishments for breaking them are never consistent, as if they're left solely to the judgment of the authorities.

How Did The Handmaid’s Tale’s Eden Die?

Since Gilead's law is heavily influenced by the Bible, one of the crimes that is considered the worst is infidelity in marriage, as well as any form of adultery. This is exactly why both Emily and Eden were punished, but in very different ways.

While Emily was forced to undergo female genital mutilation (FGM), Eden was sentenced to death and publicly drowned as an execution. Both punishments are incredibly cruel and horrific, but one of the women was able to keep her life, while the other was gone forever.

Although the "crime" was similar in nature, it was completely different in practice. Emily was turned by Aunt Lydia because she was a lesbian. It was done in private, so the punishment was more cruel intent to ensure that she could never experience pleasure while still being able to serve Gilead and produce more children.

In Eden's case, however, the execution was made public because Gilead wanted to make a precedent out of her. Not only did she make her crime public, she showed no signs of remorse and refused to plead for mercy. Could her life be saved if she did? Hard to say, knowing Gilead's love of farce.

Still, the difference in the crimes and the way they were committed explains the degree of punishment. However, when watching The Handmaid's Tale, one cannot forget the corruption and personal views of those in power, which definitely influenced the decision-making process.

Season 6 of the show, which will also be the final one, has already been confirmed. However, no release date has been announced as filming has not yet begun. Keep an eye out for more important news and behind-the-scenes updates on The Handmaid's Tale on Hulu.