What genre does "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood best represent?

"The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood is best represented as dystopian fiction because it presents a chilling vision of a totalitarian society that has stripped women of their rights and reduced them to their reproductive capabilities. The narrative explores themes of oppression, surveillance, and the loss of individual freedoms in a future where a theocratic regime enforces strict societal roles.

Dystopian fiction often serves as a critique of current societal trends, using exaggerated scenarios to highlight potential dangers and moral dilemmas. Atwood's work powerfully examines these themes, reflecting on historical and contemporary issues regarding gender, power, and authority.

While elements of science fiction are present, particularly in the speculative aspects of the narrative, the primary focus is on the societal implications and human experiences within this negative utopia. Historical fiction, on the other hand, deals with past events and figures, which is not the core of Atwood's story. Romantic fiction centers on romantic relationships and emotional development, which are not the primary themes in "The Handmaid's Tale." Therefore, identifying it as dystopian fiction encapsulates its essence as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of societal neglect and extreme governance.