What is the discrepancy in a handmaids tale?

In "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, the main discrepancy lies between the oppressive societal ideals of Gilead and the inner lives of its characters. The regime promotes a facade of order and religious morality while enforcing brutal control over women's bodies and freedoms. This contrast highlights the tension between individual identity and state-imposed roles, revealing the psychological and emotional turmoil experienced by characters like Offred. Ultimately, the narrative exposes the hypocrisy of a society that claims to uphold virtue while systematically dehumanizing its citizens.