In "The Handmaid's Tale," Margaret Atwood explores the theme of exaggerated reality through the protagonist's reflections on dire situations that feel overly dramatized. The experiences depicted in the story, while disturbing, extend beyond the believable realms of everyday life, creating a sense of disbelief and detachment for those witnessing such events.

Atwood's narrative critiques how melodrama can trivialize real issues, constructing a reality that is both captivating and alien. By presenting scenarios that exceed the dimensions of ordinary existence, the author invites readers to question the plausibility of extreme societal changes and the impact of fear-driven narratives on human perceptions.