Comparative Devices
The quote, "Though at the time men and women tried each other on, casually, like suits, rejecting whatever did not fit." (Chapter 9) implies what about society before and after the creation of Gilead?
That relationships were interchangeable and possibly meaningless.
Who said, "...Freedom to and freedom from"?
Aunt Lydia
Cora
A Martha who takes care of the house and any children birthed into the household.
Freedom vs. Confinement
Offred is "free" in this society from sexism, yet cannot walk the streets alone. "A rat in a maze is free to go anywhere so long as it stays within the maze."
Character Foils
Moira and Offred
Offred and her Mother
The terms "worthy vessel" and "two-legged womb" are being used to describe what?
The handmaids and women
Who says, "Like you mean it" and in what context?
The Commander after Offred meets him secretly for the first time.
Nick
The Commander's Driver and Offred's lover.
Communication
The handmaids have scripted lines to greet each other, yet they communicate freely when no one is watching.
What is the purpose of Atwood employing Biblical Allusions within her work?
To demonstrate the power of a respected document and how one interpretation can serve to fuel either hatred or reinforce faith. (Many answers possible)
Discuss the implications of the quote, "...your name is like your telephone number, useful to only others;" (Chapter 14).
Offred is losing her identity and thinks about the fact that others typically would use her name prior to becoming Offred.
The quote, "I've brought it for you" refers to what and who is bringing it?
The picture of Offred's daughter and Serena Joy
Aunt Lydia
A teacher of handmaid's in order to ensure their re-education.
Identity
Many answers are possible
In what ways and to what extent does Atwood employ imagery within her novel?
To allow the reader to "experience" what Offred is experiencing. (Many possible answers)
"Time's a trap, I'm caught in it" (Chapter 24). Comment on this metaphor and what it means in relation to the protagonist.
Offred has a limited time in which to conceive a child, both biologically and by societal standards.
Which character say, "Trust me"?
Nick
Angels
Soldiers who protect society on the front lines.
In what ways is the theme of storytelling present?
References to the style and Historical Notes should be made.
Discuss the use of stream of consciousness and its role in the progression of the story.
Creates a realistic atmosphere and draws the readers' attention to the stress of the society in which Offred lives.
What does Atwood mean when she has Offred state, "A story is like a letter"? (Chapter 7)
This can have many interpretations
The phrase "Under His Eye" is said between which two characters? Explain the context.
May Day
The rebellion group that Nick and others are a part of.
Moral Relativism
What one sees as being proper and ethical may not be seen in the same way by another. Those who created Gilead may have seen this as the "right" way to reform society while others may not have.
In what ways is the motif of time present within the novel?
Offred's age, the last time for her to conceive a child, the bells, Offred's schedule.