Characters
This is the main character and narrator of the novel.
Who is Offred?
The totalitarian society in which the novel takes place.
What is Gilead?
The color worn by Handmaids that symbolizes fertility.
What is red?
Offred remembers trying to escape with these two family members.
Who are Luke and her daughter?
Gilead limits this basic human freedom for women.
What is freedom?
This Commander secretly invites Offred to play Scrabble
Who is the Commander?
Women forced to bear children for elite families are called these.
What are Handmaids?
These white coverings limit what Handmaids can see.
What are wings?
The Commander takes Offred to this secret club.
What is Jezebel’s?
The novel explores how governments use this to maintain power.
What is fear?
Offred’s shopping partner who may be part of the resistance.
Who is Ofglen?
The training center for Handmaids.
What is the Red Center?
This phrase means “under God’s eye” in Gilead.
What is “Under His Eye”?
Offred discovers Ofglen has done this after being questioned.
What is suicide?
Control over women’s bodies is a major example of this theme.
What is oppression?
Offred’s rebellious best friend from before Gilead.
Who is Moira?
Public executions in Gilead are known by this name.
What are Salvagings?
Flowers in Serena Joy’s garden often symbolize this.
What is fertility or female power?
Serena Joy arranges for Offred to meet this man secretly.
What is Nick?
Offred’s memories help preserve this part of her identity.
What is her past?
This woman trains Handmaids at the Red Center.
Who is Aunt Lydia?
The secret police of Gilead are called this.
What are the Eyes?
The Wall symbolizes this in Gilead society.
What is fear and control?
At the end of the novel, Offred leaves in this type of vehicle.
What is a black van?
Margaret Atwood warns readers about the dangers of this type of government.
What is totalitarianism?