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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the Commander say was the main problem with men, before?

2. Why has Janine been transferred in Chapter 12?

3. What did Offred want to do with the cat in Chapter 11?

4. What does the Commander try to do during the second Ceremony?

5. What does the Commander offer to Offred in Chapter 10?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 10, what becomes different about Offred’s relationship to Luke, after the changes?

2. Why is Ofglen’s question about Soul Scrolls subversive?

3. What is the rumor about how Janine got pregnant?

4. Why is the concentration camp documentary important?

5. Why does Offred think about her age and height in Chapter 9?

6. Why does Serena Joy think that Offred ‘might as well’ sleep with Nick?

7. What form do Offred's prayers take in Chapter 11?

8. What is one sign in Chapter 14 that Offred might not actually be having a baby?

9. How do women come to work at Jezebel’s?

10. What are Offred's plans in Chapter 9?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though a young society, Gilead already has a number of its own rituals. Pick one ritual or ceremony and describe any links to real-world events that you can find. What roots did Gilead draw upon in inventing this ceremony? What is its social function and significance?

Essay Topic 2

Women and their roles play an overwhelming part in “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Is this a feminist work? In what ways might it be considered feminist? Are there indications that it may not be, as well?

Essay Topic 3

Moira spurns the conventions of Gilead in a variety of ways. How is Moira a subversive character? Discuss her relationship with Offred, as well as the possibilities that her character hints at. How can we interpret her final job, working at Jezebel’s?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 531 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample