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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 was the underground’s nickname?

2. Why can Offred believe Nick in Chapter 15?

3. What does Offred tell Nick in Chapter 14, which might be dangerous?

4. What does the Commander try to do during the second Ceremony?

5. According to the professor, why was Gilead able to succeed?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Why is the concentration camp documentary important?

6. What might Offred expect after being taken?

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

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

9. What is the rumor about how Janine got pregnant?

10. Describe Janine’s behavior at the Salvaging.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Offred leaves the novel on a deliberately ambiguous note. If the novel were to continue, what would her next chapter look like? Use the ‘professor’s’ speech from the end notes as the basis for your fictionalized version.

Essay Topic 2

In the book, the Commander states that better doesn’t mean better for everyone; it always means worse, for some. What is the significance of this in the context of Gilead? Give concrete and specific examples to illustrate this statement and explore its significance.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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