Characters
Who is the narrator of the story
Offred
what does Offred spread on her skin to maintain her sense of self ?
butter
What is the name of the government which the Handmaid’s Tale takes place in ?
The Republic of Gilead
Which object does Moira hold to threaten the Aunt?
a sharp lever of the toilet
What does the name Offred means ?
She belongs to the Commander named Fred
According to Hélène Cixous, what does “féminine” associate with ?
openness
Name 3 groups of people who are forced to clean up toxic material
aged women, infertile women, homosexuals, political dissidents, supporters of abortion, non-whites and members of religious groups (non-christian)
In which room do they switch outfit?
furnace room
How do handmaids communicate with each other in the Red Center ?
they whisper almost without sound
Why does Atwood classify her novel as speculative fiction instead of sci-fi ?
She reminds us that it can always happen here
What does the ritual performed monthly on Handmaids called ?
The Ceremony
What strategy lets Moira get past the angels despite looking nothing like an Aunt?
She ultilizes the fact that no one wants to question an Aunt’s authority
How does Offred take control of the narrative ?
by telling her story, imagining alternative outcomes
What type of stereotypical plot is said to structure Offred’s story?
classic male plot pattern (desire at the beginning, tension in the middle, resolution at the end)
What happens to handmaids who fail to conceive?
forced labor (eg. cleaning toxic waste)
Why does she not get caught threatening Aunt Elizabeth when they go down to the basement?
there is nobody in the hall and classes are in session