Handmaid's Tale Chapter 36 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What happens when Offred goes to see the Commander that night?

The Commander seems drunk, speaks playfully with her, gives her a skimpy outfit, and wants to take her out.

How do the Commander's evening plans change for Offred?

Both B and C are correct. (correct)

He intends to take her out instead of staying in.

He plans to stay in and play Scrabble.

He has procured a skimpy sequined outfit for her to wear.

What sense does Offred get from Nick?

She feels as though he disapproves.

How does Offred feel without her headdress?

She feels as though a huge weight has been lifted, but also feels without substance. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Manhattan Cleanup?

It was when all the skimpy clothes were gathered and destroyed in a bonfire in New York. Signup and view all the answers

What type of hats were the sellers of promiscuous clothing wearing?

Dunce hats made of paper with the red word SHAME written on them. Signup and view all the answers

When the Commander tells Offred she needs to paint her face, what does he mean?

He means she needs to put on makeup. Signup and view all the answers

What type of mirror does the Commander hold for Offred to put on her makeup?

A silver backed hand mirror that belongs to Serena Joy. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Commander first give Offred to wear?

A purple dress with feathers. Signup and view all the answers

What else does the Commander give Offred to wear?

A blue hooded cloak that belonged to Serena Joy. Signup and view all the answers

What is Offred concerned about during their travel?

She is concerned about needing a pass to go. Signup and view all the answers

Did they have any issues traveling out of the city?

False Signup and view all the answers

What did the Commander make Offred do once they were past the second checkpoint?

Commander tells her to get all the way down onto the floor of the car. Signup and view all the answers

What did the blue cloak smell like?

Mothballs. Signup and view all the answers

When they reach the place for the night, how do they enter?

In a hurry through the back entrance. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Commander put on Offred's wrist?

A purple armband. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter Summary

Offred visits the Commander, who appears intoxicated and playful.
He gifts Offred a revealing outfit adorned with feathers and sequins for an outing.
Offred adorns herself with cheap makeup and Serena's blue winter cloak for the evening.

Evening Plans

The Commander’s original plan of staying in has shifted to taking Offred out for an evening.
He uses pre-Gilead expressions to suggest a night of leisure, contrasting the regime's norms.

Offred’s Feelings Towards Nick

Offred senses disapproval from Nick concerning her participation in the outing.

Impact of Removing the Headdress

Without her headdress, Offred experiences a mixture of liberation and a sense of emptiness.

The Manhattan Cleanup

Skimpy clothing was collected and destroyed in bonfires in New York to eliminate unacceptable attire due to Gilead’s morality codes.

Punishment for Clothing Sellers

Sellers and manufacturers of promiscuous clothing were made to wear paper dunce hats labeled with "SHAME" while repenting on their knees.

Applying Makeup

The Commander instructs Offred to apply makeup in preparation for their night out.

Mirror Description

The Commander presents Offred with a silver-backed hand mirror that belonged to Serena Joy.

Offred's Outfit Details

Offred is given a purple dress with feathers recognized as black market clothing due to its prior destruction.
The dress is tight, while the accompanying mauve shoes are slightly oversized.

Additional Clothing Item

Offred also dons a blue hooded cloak once owned by Serena Joy, which symbolizes the wives' attire.

Travel Concerns

Offred is anxious about needing official clearance to travel; the Commander assures her he has provisioned for this.

Checkpoint Experience

No significant issues arise at the checkpoints as they exit the city.

Concealment Requirement

After passing the second checkpoint, the Commander insists Offred lie flat on the car floor to avoid detection at the gateway.

Cloak's Condition

The blue cloak has a scent of mothballs, indicating it was stored and likely unnoticed by Serena Joy.

Entrance to Destination

They enter their destination hurriedly via a rear entrance, utilizing a key held by the Commander.

Identification Requirement

The Commander places a purple armband on Offred, advising her to state she is a rental when asked.

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Description

Dive into Chapter 36 of 'The Handmaid's Tale' with this set of flashcards. Explore the interactions between Offred and the Commander as they navigate a complex relationship amidst the oppressive regime. Key themes and symbols are highlighted to enhance your understanding of the text.