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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. Where does the Commander rank, according to Ofglen?

2. In Chapter 10, what does Offred tell the Commander that she wants?

3. What usually happens at a salvaging that does not happen in Chapter 14?

4. How tall is Offred?

5. Where does Offred go after seeing the Commander in Chapter 8?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Where does Offred take the new Ofglen in Chapter 14? Why?

4. Why is the concentration camp documentary important?

5. How does Offred characterize the spring, particularly May?

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

7. According to the professor in Chapter 15, what might have happened to Offred?

8. Why does the story about the cat in Chapter 11 matter?

9. Why does Offred pray in Chapter 11?

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

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 2

Though the novel focuses on Handmaids, other characters, in other roles, also permeate the book. Describe one role in-depth. What are some of the advantages of this role? Disadvantages?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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This section contains 530 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample