In "The Handmaid's Tale," author Margaret Atwood presents a dystopian world where society is restructured to enforce strict hierarchical roles, particularly for women. The narrative explores themes of power, control, and identity as it follows the journey of women who are stripped of their rights and autonomy. The protagonist's struggle highlights the painful reconstruction of self against oppressive societal norms.

The quote, "That is a reconstruction, too," suggests that the realities faced by characters are not just imposed but also influenced by their interpretations and adaptations to their new circumstances. This idea emphasizes how individuals navigate and redefine their identities within a drastically changed world, underscoring the theme of resilience amid systemic oppression.