Offred (main character)
Offred frequently remembers her husband, who she was separated from during their attempted escape from Gilead. What is his name?
Luke
This theme illustrates women being strictly enforced and subjugated to extreme degrees
Gender roles
Offred is a (blank) in the Republic of Gilead.
Handmaid
The narrator and protagonist of the story is...
Offred
"We lived, as usual, by ignoring. Ignoring isn't the same as ignorance, you have to work at it."
Offred
The smell that reminds Offred of her former life as a mother
Yeast/freshly baked bread
This theme illustrates the characters' loss of freedom and the oppressive nature of Gilead
Liberty and captivity
This term refers to the strict, theocratic society where women are subjugated and forced into specific roles, including that of Handmaids.
Gilead
The head of the house hold in which Offred lives is...
The commander
"I want to see as little of you as possible, she said. I expect you to feel the same way about me."
Serena Joy
In the early chapters, Offred describes the strict and oppressive environment of this household where she serves as a Handmaid.
Commander's house
This theme illustrates Biblical references and religious rhetoric being used to control the population and legitimize the subjugation of women
Religion and theocracy
This ritual involves the Handmaids sitting in a circle and sharing their traumatic experiences, often leading to public shaming and emotional manipulation.
Testifying
(Blank) is an unhappy ex-gospel singer and at the top the female social ladder.
Serena Joy
"It was my fault, it was my own fault. I led them on. I deserved the pain."
Janine
Offred and the other Handmaids are required to attend this monthly event, where they must participate in a ritualized sexual ceremony with their Commanders.
The Ceremony
This theme illustrates conformity being enforced and personal identities being erased.
Individuality
This term is used to describe the place where the Handmaids are trained and indoctrinated into the ways of Gilead.
Red Center
Offred's secret lover and the Commander's driver.
Nick
"I could kill you, you know. I could injure you badly so you would never feel good in your body again. I could zap you with this, or stick this thing into your eye. Just remember I didn’t, if it ever comes to that."
Moira
How does Offred tell the time of day and night in the novel?
The moon's menstrual periods
This theme illustrates acts of defiance, both small and large, highlighting the characters' resistance and desire for freedom.
Rebellion
This term is used to describe the secret network of resistance that helps Handmaids and others escape the oppressive regime of Gilead.
Mayday
Offred's good friend from the old times. Also, a prostitute.
Moira
"This is a reconstruction. All of it is a reconstruction. It's a reconstruction now, in my head, as I lie flat on my single bed rehearsing what I should or should not have said, what I should or should not have done, how I should have played it."
Aunt Lydia