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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 Latin phrase really mean?

2. What is the small thing that Serena Joy offers Offred in Chapter 12?

3. According to Chapter 15, in which state was Offred most likely located?

4. What does Ofglen start to think about Offred in Chapter 14?

5. What group of people is Offred surprised to see at Jezebel’s?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What might Offred expect after being taken?

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

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

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

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

7. How does the professor describe Nick’s role?

8. What is Serena’s reaction to the cape in Chapter 14?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Gilead is a strict hierarchical society. Describe the hierarchy of Gilead, and give descriptions of various characters we encounter in “The Handmaid’s Tale” and how they fit into the hierarchy. Why is this hierarchy necessary?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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