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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 month is it when Offred goes to Jezebel’s?

2. Why would Offred not have made her story public?

3. To which period did Offred belong?

4. Where did Offred store her documentation?

5. What is strange about the Salvaging?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What might Offred expect after being taken?

5. Why does Offred think about her age and height in Chapter 9?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offred’s daughter is one of the most important people in her life, though they are no longer together. Describe what Offred’s daughter’s life might be like at the moment. How are children important in Gilead, and what is Offred’s daughter’s most likely fate?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 532 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample