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The Handmaid’s Tale Name_________________________________ Ms. Mulligan – 2123 Date_______________________Period______ Notes and Discussion Questions IB Senior Summer Reading The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood Study Packet Literary elements employed or terms to apply to the novel: Point-of-view Symbolism Irony (verbal and situational) Tone Paradox Satire Pun Allusion Dystopia-a kind of though experiment which isolates certain social trends and exaggerates them to make clear their most negative qualities-not intended to be realistic Flashback Motif In medias res Things to look for: Loss of hope/presence of hope Subtle/not-so-subtle conformity and its effects on society Fertility/sexual imagery Paradoxical use of the color red Very frank/coarse use of sexual language-rape imagery Biblical use-language, imagery, allusion Disjointed use of time Language connoting or denoting duplicity Description of women as property Description of sex as a business/commodity Complacency and its dangers Symbolism (palimpsest, flowers/fruit, red) Distinguishing between time and setting (old times/status quo) Language of protection of women Look up any vocabulary that you are unsure of as it may be on quizzes. Your summer reading assignment is to #1 CAREFULLY read the novel The Handmaid’s Tale , and #2 to complete these study questions, and to #3 complete the presentation outline that is indicated on pages 9 - 10. Each of these portions will be worth up to 100 points. Parts 1, 2 , and 3 will be due on August 15/16, 2019 – whichever day we have class. There will be, of course, a summer reading test that will test all aspects of the novel. This is one of the two major works that will be used for our IOCs in December. You should also have completed your college essays for at least two of your top choice schools – if the schools you are applying to have no essays – please complete the essay for the Common App. Don’t forget to check your AP Literature exam score on Friday, July 5 th^ at 8:00 am! Although it has won numerous awards, I DO NOT recommend watching the series The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu. There is much that is inappropriate viewing and also the differences in the novel and the series are striking and may confuse you for the testing and the IOC. I am looking forward to next year as I know you are too!
Example: What is a palimpsest and why does the narrator describe the gym as being one? How is it significant to the themes of this novel? Answer: From the Greek palimpsestos ("scraped again"), a palimpsest is reused writing support material from which the underlying text has been erased (by washing in the case of papyrus and by using scraping devices in the case of parchment). Erasure was not always complete and an underlying text can often be read with the assistance of ultraviolet light. The narrator indicates that although the past images appear to be gone from the gymnasium, the memory, while faint, remains behind. It foreshadows that a change has occurred in the world that seems almost complete. Major Characters: Offred: The narrator and central character of the novel. Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. Handmaids are fertile women forced to bear children for elite, barren couples. Fertility is rare and highly valued in Gilead. She has one more year left to have a child before she is determined barren and sent to the Colonies. Aunt Lydia: The authoritarian head mistress of the Red Center, where the Handmaids are indoctrinated with rules they must live by. Aunt Lydia is the primary spokesperson for the ideology of Gilead in the novel. Fragments of her speeches come up throughout Offred's narration. Aunt Lydia is ruthlessly manipulative under the guise of piety and concern. Moira: Offred's rebellious, bisexual friend who she has known since college, before Gilead. Moira is sent to the Red Center along with Offred. She is a staunch feminist and has a penchant for making lewd jokes. Serena Joy: The Wife of the Commander. Serena Joy was a gospel singer and an anti- feminist advocate before the war and formation of Gilead. Ofglen: Offred's shopping partner who is a Handmaid. Ofglen and Offred are careful to appear perfectly pious to each other when they first meet. Commander: Offred's sterile stud and one of the founding fathers of Gilead. Minor Characters Janine: A Handmaid who is particularly vulnerable to psychological manipulation. Rita: A servant in the household of the Commander. She belongs to the class of women called Marthas, who are infertile but have done nothing to classify them as Unwomen. Cora: A servant in the household of the Commander. She belongs to the class of women called Marthas, who are infertile but have done nothing to classify them as Unwomen.. Nick: The Commander's chauffer as well as a double agent in the elite, government agency of spies called the Eyes. Nick is a member of the underground rebel group called the Maydays.
Part III
- What is the significance of Aunt Lydia comparing the women to seeds?
- Who holds power in Gilead, men or women? How so?
- Some scholars think Gilead is Cambridge, Mass. What is significant about this location? Why might Atwood refrain from directly telling the reader this information?
- How is the function of time important?
- Aunt Lydia discusses different kinds of freedom. What does she mean? What is the paradox here and what is the effect?
- Why does the narrator not name her daughter or give us her real name?
- What happened to her daughter? Part IV
- By juxtapositioning Chapter 8 with Chapter 7 containing feminists burning pornography, what interesting conflation is Atwood making?
- Is Serena Joy an allusion to someone today?
- What “sin” would the church accuse Offred of with her current position in society?
- Why is the secret message in the cupboard written in Latin? Why is this language significant?
- The two songs at the beginning of Chapter 10 are both banned: why is this amusing?
- Explain how the symbolism of the gold Eye in the doctor’s office is appropriate for the time before and Offred’s present.
- What is significant about Offred’s physical positioning with the sheets in the doctor’s office?
- What is odd about legal definitions about barrenness and fertility?
- Explain the significance of what has been omitted in Offred’s narrative and what has already been revealed. What big things are not explained?
- Why does Atwood use concentration camp references to describe Offred’s position in society?
- Why does Offred consistently fear or reference being drugged?
- Explain the irony surrounding Janine’s “confession”.
- Why is the character of Moira important? What does she represent? p. 101- 125
- How does the way Offred’s society deal with Jews mirror history? What is Atwood’s point?
- What is significant about the way Gilead deals with religious types? Why are names given such importance in the novel?
- Explain the situational irony associated with the “Ceremony.” p. 126- 150
- Offred gives more clues as to why babies and pregnancy are so rare—what are they?
- When did this cataclysmic event occur? Or was there one?
- What is interesting about the way wives derive their names? p. 151- 175
- Why is it significant that the Aunts make the Handmaids watch pornography at the Red Center?
- How Offred’s feelings changed toward the Commander? How have feelings changed toward her?
- Why does Offred feel guilt with regard to Serena Joy?
- What is ironic about the center of Gilead being a university?
- What element of dehumanization is present in the Soul Scrolls?
- How does Ofglen offer hope to Offred? p. 226- 250
- Explain how the transition is made from our world to Offred’s?
- Why is Offred surprised at people’s reactions regarding the Constitution and censorship?
- Why does Moira criticize Offred for stealing Luke and how does Offred defend herself?
- With the loss of her job, why does Offred feel so immobilized? Is there something else to her feeling? p. 251- 275
- What is significant about Offred praying The Lord’s Prayer?
- Explain the situational irony surrounding Serena’s proposition of Nick to Offred? Why is her incentive particularly effective? What does this incentive reveal about Serena’s character?
- How does the Commander justify/rationalize the current predicament of Handmaids? What does it reveal about the true intentions of Gilead? p. 276- 300
- What information does Ofglen share about Janine’s baby?
- What archaic institution has been revived in terms of marriage? Why does this institution fit in with what the Commanders want for women?
- Why is the Commander surprised with what Offred points out as a weakness in the male/female relations in Gilead?
- What is the Manhattan Cleanup? What does it resemble in history? p. 301- 325
- Why do you think Offred is concerned about what Nick thinks?
- Offred’s outing with the Commander reveal what about the men who created Gilead?
- What happened to Moira at the Red Center? How did she end up at Jezebel’s?
- Again, Atwood uses what analogy for the Colonies? Why does this image reappear? p. 326- 350
- Where is Offred’s mother?
- Why the two distinct stories concerning Offred’s first encounter with Nick? p. 351- 375
- What is the logic of keeping men and women separated in public places?
- What is significant about the decision not to share the details of the crimes committed by the accused? Why the omission?
- What is a particicution? Ofglen’s reaction? Why?
Historical allusions Important puns and their (religious, political, feminist, historical) meanings The role of humor or irony in the text Violence in the novel Dystopic and Utopic elements The Historical Notes And obviously the non-chronological order of this novel, the narrative voice, the perceived level of narrator reliability, the ending, etc. all play an important role in how we understand the messages in this novel – each of these topics is well worth considering and exploring. So, when you return on August 15 or 16, please have a detailed outline of your topic
- probably at least 2 - 3 pages long. And please, strive for individuality as it is important that we cover all of the important and nuanced elements of the text before we can consider our IOCs. Write to me if you are not sure if you’ve chosen a great topic. Literary Concepts to review in advance of next year Elements of Plot Protagonist: This is the central, or main, character. It is the person (animal, robot, whatever) that the story focuses on. What the protagonist wants or needs drives the story. Antagonist: This is the person or thing that stands in the way of what the protagonist wants or needs. Exposition: This is the first part of a story. In the exposition the author gives the reader all that is needed to understand what is going on. In the exposition we learn about the setting (where and when the story takes place), the characters (who is who, and what they want or need), and the conflict is (what stands in the way of what the central character wants or needs). Inciting Incident: This is the precise moment when the reader understands exactly what the conflict (the problem) is. The protagonist (the central character) wants or needs something, and someone or something (the antagonist) stands in the way. Rising Action: This is the longest part of the story where the protagonist (the central character) tries to resolve the conflict (to get what he/she wants or needs). The tension of the story is stretched out to keep the reader guessing. Will the hero save the girl? Will the asteroid destroy the planet? Will she marry Prince Charming and live happily ever after? Climax: The climax is the moment in a story when it is clear how the conflict will turn out. At this moment the reader understands whether or not the protagonist (the central character) will get what is needed or wanted.
Falling Action: This is the part of a story when the dust settles. Usually the climax occurs during a scene when there is a lot going on. After the moment when we know if the protagonist (the central character) wins or loses over the antagonist (whatever or whoever stands in the way) there is still going to be a little action. This time of the "dust settling" in the scene of that contains the climax is called the falling action. Resolution/denouement: The reader wants to know how it all eventually turns out. Do they get married and have children? Does the bad guy go to jail? Is there going to be another asteroid? Tying up the loose ends of a story is called the resolution. In a mystery story it is the part when the detective tells how he figured it all out, and untangles the knot for us. In fact, "denouement" is French for "the untying." If there is going to be a sequel, we will get hints about it here. Types of Conflict Conflict: The tension of a story comes from the reader not knowing if the protagonist (the central character) is going to get what he/she wants or needs. What type of obstacle which stands in the way gives us the type of conflict. Note that conflicts are usually described as "Man versus ______." This is the universal "Man," not the individual "man." It is a little sexist, but refers to the central character whether or not he or she is male. Man vs. Man: If the conflict is one person against another, then the story is being driven by a Man versus Man conflict. Man vs. Self: If the central character needs to understand something about him/herself, grows up, or matures, then the story is being driven by a Man versus Self conflict. Man vs. Nature: If the central character is fighting with nature, then the story is probably Man versus Nature. If it is a storm, the dark woods, an earthquake, a wolf, volcano, or meteor, then the protagonist is battling nature. Man vs. Supernatural: If the protagonist is battling with God, gods, magical beings, or ghosts, then the conflict is Man versus Supernatural. Man vs. Machine: If we find the protagonist is struggling with a machine(s), such as trying to get a car to run, or is riding a bicycle that seems to always be falling apart, then the conflict is Man vs. Machine. Man vs. Society: If the protagonist is fighting a culture or society, then we call the conflict Man versus Society. An example of this conflict might be a person trying to escape the Nazi Holocaust. Literary Tools to Develop the Story Setting: Setting is the time and place. The author needs to let the reader understand when and where the story takes place. Is it on a strange planet in the far future? In a magical
Frame: A frame is given to provide the reader a reason for the story being told. If there is a narrator, he is often telling us something that happened in his or her past. This "frame" is outside of the story, and gives us a reason to listen. For example, in the movie Titanic the frame is about a treasure hunter who is trying to find a necklace that had gone down with the ship. To find the necklace he brings an old woman out to the wreck, and we hear her tell the tale. Her setting (the modern-day hunt for the necklace) is outside of the main story (the voyage of the Titanic)and gives us a "frame." Literary Tools to Describe Ideas Metaphor: When it is implied that the things being discussed are standing for something else, the author is using a metaphor. Things often stand for things that are bigger. Darth Vader is a metaphor for evil, for all that is wrong with the universe. He stands for the dangers of the "Force" and how the dark side is tempting and dangerous. Another example: "Don't count your chickens before they are hatched," is a metaphor for not planning on things that you do not yet have. A metaphor is usually unique to the situation. Symbol: A symbol is like a metaphor because it stands for something else. The difference is that a symbol is well-known and people recognize what it means right away. The U.S. flag is a symbol people understand because it stands for The United States of America. The swastika is another symbol everyone knows that stands for Nazi Germany. If something is immediately recognized by people, then it is a symbol. Simile: Sometimes the author simply wants the reader to compare two things. Usually there is some quality the two things share. A simple way to recognize when an author is using a simile is that we will find the words "like" or "as" in the phrase. "She is like a butterfly." (She is always going from group to group in a party like a butterfly flits from flower to flower.) Allusion: An allusion is a reference to another work. In novels allusions are usually to other books. Movies often make references to other movies. It is a way for the author to let us know something by referring to something else we already know. Do not confuse "allusion" with "illusion." An illusion is something that appears to be something that it is not. Magicians work with illusions, writers work with allusions. Theme: The author of a novel will often have a theme which is a message or insight about life or human nature. It may not be directly stated, but left for the reader to infer.
Literary Tools that Provide Writers with "Voice" Alliteration: Sometimes a writer will make sounds repeat to give a pattern to their writing. When a sound repeats it is called "alliteration." Here is an example of alliteration using "P's": The purple penguin plunged past the pink puffer fish, praying the polka- dotted parka would protect its pointy nose. If the alliteration uses "S's," then we say it is "sibilant." Example: The silly snake snuck sideways so Sally should see such sly serpentine silliness as sneaky. Appositive: An appositive is a tool the writer uses to give additional information about a noun. It will follow the noun and will be bracketed with commas. Here is an example: Mr. Greenleaf, an English teacher at Ackerman Middle School, likes to read a lot. The words in italics (the slanted letters) is an appositive giving a little more information about the noun (Mr. Greenleaf). If the appositive were left out the sentence would still make sense. It gives the reader so more information which might be important to know. Parallelism: When a writer repeats a word or phrase it is called parallelism. Here is an example: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country." Here is another example: "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time." The phrases echo each other, lend strength to each other. Parallelism is another way an author develops a writing "voice." Irony: When something is different than it would seem to be, that is irony. There are many types of irony. A verbal irony is when someone says something, but means, or should say something else. For example, in Huckleberry Finn, Huck says: "I had been to school and could say the multiplication table up to six times seven is thirty-five." (6 x 7 =
- A situational irony is when what is happening does not fit the circumstances. Dramatic irony is when the reader understands something a character does not (careful! The knife is poisoned!). I hope you have a wonderful summer and enjoy reading The Handmaid’s Tale.
