The Handmaid's Tale Source Evaluation
https://time.com/4759957/handmaids-tale-book-vs-show-differences/
When was it published?: May 1st 2017
What I learned from it: I learned of many of the differences between The Handmaid's Tale series and the book. I was able to evaluate these difference to decide whether they were positive and enhanced the original storyline, or whether they had a negative effect when implemented onto the screen. It also told me some of the producer's intentions when he made these changes which were useful for gaining insight as to why these differences could be seen as good or not.
Why was it published?: It was published to inform people about the differences between the TV series and the book, but also the publicise the release of the new Hulu series. For people who haven't read the book, it could persuade them to read the book, or alternatively vice versa.
How reliable was it?: Time Magazine is a leading source of information regarding entertainment, politics, business and science. It's purpose is to inform people, and it's credibility has remained unquestioned since the information it posts is often replicated truthfully elsewhere. Also, in a more direct correlation to The Handmaid's Tale, it includes direct quotes from Atwood and Miller, suggesting that the writer of the article had some good insight from those crucial in making the series, which should make their responses reliable.
https://time.com/4734904/margaret-atwood-elisabeth-moss-handmaids-tale/
When was it published?: April 12th 2017
What I learned from it: I learned about why the writer of The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood, and the lead actress, Elisabeth Moss, thought it was a good time to turn the book into the series now. I found out about Atwood's opinion on some of the changes that were made and why she added certain things in her book the way she did. They talked about feminism within the book, their opinion on it, and also issues with sexism within the media industry.
Why was it published?: It was published to show Atwood and Moss's opinions on the series, and also their perspectives on society. It tells people why Atwood wrote her book and how the totalitarian society that she created isn't entirely fictional. It was published to warn others of how society could progress if we don't fight to maintain women's rights and rights of those who are often oppressed or discriminated.
How reliable is it?: It is reliable as it is largely made up of first hand quotes directly from Atwood and Moss themselves. There is also a video of them actually answering these questions, proving that the journalist hasn't just made up their responses for their own gain.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2010/sep/26/the-handmaids-tale-margaret-atwood
When was it published?: 26th September 2010
What I learned from it: I learned that The Handmaid's Tale novel was the first winner of the Arthur C Clarke Award in 1987, and also Atwood's disapproval of her book being classed as a science fiction novel.
Why was it published?: It was published because it was the 25th anniversary of the release of The Handmaid's Tale, and the book had been reissued by Vintage to honour the occasion. It gave a brief recollection of the book and acknowledged its successes over the years. It was published because with current affairs, the book was seen as more vital than ever.
How reliable is it?: The Guardian was ranked one of the most trustworthy sources of information in 2020 by media regulator Ofcom. It is a piece purely about informing others of things the book said and the awards it has won. There is no political agenda or personal bias from the writer, so it is a reliable source. To check that the fact about the Arthur C Clarke Award was correct, I checked it against the award's own website.
Last updated: 2021
What I learned from it: Confirmed my knowledge that The Handmaid's Tale was the first winner of the Arthur C Clarke Award. It also told me some information about the award, including who selects the winner and others winners and nominees between 1987-2021.
Why was it created?: To inform the public who has been nominated and won the award over the years. Could also be used to publicise science fiction novels and advise readers of which books they should read.
How reliable is it?: It's reliable because it is purely a factual page. It tells you who has been nominated and who has won. It doesn't include any opinions, and therefore no bias.
https://www.mediaversityreviews.com/tv-reviews/2017/6/18/the-handmaids-tale
When was it published?: June 18th 2017
What I learned from it?: I found a professional critical review on season 1 of The Handmaid's Tale which rated each branch of the story separately. It allowed me to find out what other people thought of the differences added to the storyline when brought to the screen such as race, gender and LGBTQ. It also gave an overall rating at the end.
Why was it created?: It was created to give an opinion on the show and evaluate how good certain aspects of the series were. Specifically, the journalist wanted to criticise the poorly done inclusion of racial diversity, but to praise the exceptional inclusion of female characters in a patriarchal world.
How reliable is it?: It is reliable for this part of my research because it offers an independent review on the Handmaid's Tale series. It is just one of many similar reviews which all give a positive outlook on the series, although still have points for improvement.
https://www.inquirer.com/philly/opinion/commentary/the-handmaids-tale-pence-protest-opinion20180727.html
When was it published?: July 27th 2018
What I learned from it: I found out about how The Handmaid's Tale inspired a protest against Mike Pence due to Trump's promises about controlling abortion and the reproductive rights of women. A diverse group of women united to stand against this stripping of basic rights as they believed Atwood's message was that people should act before changes are made rather than trying to resort back afterwards.
Why was it created?: It was created so that the leader of the protest, Samantha Goldman, could address why she formed the protest and what inspired it. She wanted others to understand what she was fighting for so they can decide whether they want to support the cause. She also spoke about the response Pence gave to their march and how he dismissed their concerns, insisting that Trump's promises would be put into place, regardless of their resistance.
How reliable is it?: It is a first hand account from someone taking part in the demonstration, meaning it is reliable in terms of telling what happened. Since she gathered the protest, Goldman could explain the reasons behind it when others couldn't. It could be biased because she is fighting for one side, but it still gives a good insight into how the book and series can be used for social change.
https://www.irishcentral.com/news/politics/irish-abortion-handmaids-tale
When was it published?: September 22nd 2017
What I learned from it?: I found out that women in Ireland used the handmaids outfit as a symbol of rebellion against their abortion laws. I learned that 12 women a day go to other countries for abortions since it is illegal in their country. This proves the need for changes to legislation.
Why was it created?: It was created to show how women are standing up against the outdated legislation in Ireland and want to actively fight for change. It also highlighted the current issues with the legislation.
How reliable is it?: IrishCentral is a website dedicated to providing information surrounding news, history, travel and cultural issues. Its aim is to give a valid, unbiased account of what is occurring in their country. However, because it is an Irish based source, it could show some unreliability in trying to make it's country appear better to the international audience. Nonetheless, the reasons behind the protest are clear and undeniable.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-44965210
When was it published?: 27th July 2017
What I learned from it: The handmaid has become an international symbol of protest. I found out that in the year the series was released, the novel was the most read book in the USA. Confirmed information on the other marches I have discussed from across the world.
Why was it created?: It was created to address the multiple protests that had emerged across the world using the handmaids outfit as an identifiable symbol
How reliable is it?: It is reliable as the BBC is described as one of the most accurate and reliable news sources in the world. All the information on the article has been back up elsewhere on other websites that I have gathered information from.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-48551065
When was it published?: 10th June 2019
What I learned from it: I learned that Kylie Jenner majorly misinterpreted the intentions of The Handmaid's Tale and received a huge amount of negative backlash when she posted her themed party on her social media.
Why was it created?: It was created to tell others of how the famous, young billionaire used the fictional society of Gilead to host a party and how it was poorly responded to by the public. It could be there to allow the public to form their own opinion on Jenner's actions.
How reliable is it?: BBC is a reliable source and trusted on an international basis. It has used real comments from Kylie Jenner's instagram to show the negative responses she received.
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