In "The Handmaid's Tale," Margaret Atwood explores a dystopian society where women are stripped of their rights and freedoms. The narrative follows Offred, a Handmaid, who shares her experiences in this oppressive regime. The phrase "The bell that measures time is ringing" symbolizes the oppressive nature of the society she inhabits, indicating the constant surveillance and control over her life. Time becomes a relentless reminder of her captivity and the loss of her previous identity.

The story captures themes of power, resistance, and the struggle for autonomy. As Offred reflects on her past, the ringing bell serves as a metaphor for the constraints imposed on her and the urgency of her circumstance. Through vivid imagery and complex characters, Atwood emphasizes the importance of memory and the will to fight against tyranny, making "The Handmaid's Tale" a powerful commentary on societal order and individual freedom.