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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 was Offred’s job before?

2. How old is Offred?

3. Where do Ofglen and Offred go together in Chapter 12?

4. What is the worst thing that could have happened to Offred?

5. What does Nick tell Offred in Chapter 15?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. In Chapter 9, what is new about the way Offred reads the message on her wall?

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

5. What happened to Luke, according to the professor?

6. How does Offred feel about her participation in the Salvaging?

7. Why does Offred pray in Chapter 11?

8. What is the condition that Nick sets forth for Offred in Chapter 13?

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

10. Why does the Commander offer Offred a gift in Chapter 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Each role in the novel has a particular color associated with it – red for Handmaids, blue for Wives, and so on. Why are these colors important? Examine the importance and symbolism of various colors throughout the book, tying them to characterizations.

Essay Topic 2

Though the novel is rich in description, Offred actually spends a significant amount of time doing nothing. Examine the significance of ‘waiting’ in the context of the novel. When does Offred wait, and for what? How is this important?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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