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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. How does the Commander feel about Offred being taken away in Chapter 15?

2. Where do Ofglen and Offred go together in Chapter 12?

3. What does Offred never say to Nick?

4. What does Ofglen ask Offred in Chapter 10?

5. How were Handmaids’ names formed in Gilead?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What has happened to former nuns?

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

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

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

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

9. What might Offred expect after being taken?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Moira spurns the conventions of Gilead in a variety of ways. How is Moira a subversive character? Discuss her relationship with Offred, as well as the possibilities that her character hints at. How can we interpret her final job, working at Jezebel’s?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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