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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is causing the narrator physical pain?

2. What is the narrator's plan at the start of the chapter?

3. When the narrator meets the "Americans" she learns

4. The narrator is bothered by city toilets because

5. The narrator finally recovers the memory of

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does the author seem to indicate about the power of language in the text? What statements or scenes reveal her purpose in emphasizing language in the novel? Write an essay in which you identify Atwood's message about language and its power or limitations.

Essay Topic 2

The narrator of Atwood's novel struggles with her own humanity, preferring to consider herself an animal. Write an essay in which you define both "human" and "animal" according to the narrator, using the text as support for your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Consider the ideas of power and powerlessness in the novel. What might Atwood be communicating about the actions and responsibilities of the powerful? What might she suggest about the powerless? Write an essay in which you explore Atwood's message about the powerful, the powerless, or both.

(see the answer keys)

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