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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. Why is it not likely that Offred ended up in Canada?

2. What was Offred’s job before?

3. What is Serena Joy’s hobby?

4. To which period did Offred belong?

5. How did Serena Joy get the photo, according to Offred in Chapter 12?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the most likely explanation for the Wife’s presence in the Salvaging?

3. How does Offred react when she is taken in Chapter 15?

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

5. Why is Nick becoming a significant character by Chapter 11?

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

7. Describe Janine’s behavior at the Salvaging.

8. Why is the concentration camp documentary important?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Every other chapter in the book is entitled “Night”. Why might this be the case? How is Night significant for Offred, and what is it placed in contrast to?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Make-up is no longer available to any of the women in Gilead, except for those who work at Jezebel’s. In what way is make-up a significant symbol in “The Handmaid’s Tale”?

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This section contains 484 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample