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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 is the worst thing that could have happened to Offred?

2. How does Serena Joy know what Offred did with the Commander?

3. What is the new order for women supposed to inspire, according to the Aunts?

4. Who accompanies Offred through the yard to Nick’s in Chapter 13?

5. What does Nick tell Offred in Chapter 15?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Offred pray in Chapter 11?

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

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

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

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

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

8. What is one sign in Chapter 14 that Offred might not actually be having a baby?

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

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

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

Offred writes about having taken certain things for granted in her earlier life. Write an essay in which you discuss which things in particular she took for granted, and why. What are some things which she always valued, by contrast?

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 541 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample