The Handmaid's Tale Chapters 1-2 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does the approaching thunderstorm contribute to the mood of the scene as Offred sneaks out to meet Nick?

The distant storm creates an ominous tone, a sense of danger that parallels the risk Offred is taking.

What does the Japanese tourists' interpreter's 'winged-eye tie pin' indicate?

The interpreter works for the Republic of Gilead and ensures that the tourists see only the sites that cast the government in a positive light.

Who does Offred see in the Unwomen film the Aunts show the Handmaids?

She sees her mother participating in a rally for women's rights.

What is the full psychological significance of the narrator telling Nick her real name?

By telling Nick her real name, the narrator both reestablishes her identity and invites Nick to a deeper level of intimacy. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Atwood reveal the name to the reader?

Atwood does not reveal the narrator's name because the story is a parable about a Handmaid, not just a specific woman. Signup and view all the answers

Contrast the manner in which Offred prayed at the Center with how she prays alone.

At the Center, prayer is mandatory and scripted, while Offred's prayer alone is spontaneous and heartfelt. Signup and view all the answers

What does Offred's prayer reveal about the state of religion and spirituality in a theocracy?

It reveals that personal faith cannot be mandated and that attempts to regulate it often obliterate true spirituality. Signup and view all the answers

What climactic event is revealed in Chapter 30?

The event that someone must have betrayed them and their escape plan, as they were ready and waiting for them. Signup and view all the answers

What possibilities is Offred 'hoard[ing]' her sanity for?

Offred is hoarding her sanity for potential suicide or to join a resistance movement. Signup and view all the answers

What irony is exposed in the society's use of words like 'unbabies' and 'shredders'?

'Unbabies' and 'shredders' dehumanize infants with congenital defects, making their disposal seen as justifiable. Signup and view all the answers

What emotion is Offred revealing when she claims, 'By telling you...I'm at least believing in you...'?

Offred is revealing a degree of hope. Signup and view all the answers

What impact might Moira's unexpected reappearance have on the novel's plot?

Moira's reappearance unites Offred's past and present plotlines and could act as a catalyst for change. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about the narrator's reaction to the Commander's violating custom?

It signifies the first time the narrator allows herself to feel real emotion, indicating a shift in her perspective. Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbolism of the tulips?

Tulips symbolize femininity and fertility. Signup and view all the answers

How does Atwood's technique of not using quotation marks enhance the possible meaning of the narrator's remembered conversation with Luke?

It creates ambiguity about who is saying 'Help me,' allowing it to be interpreted as either Luke or the narrator's internal plea. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the shift from active to passive voice have in the sentence about the narrator's visit to the doctor?

The passive voice illustrates that the protagonist lacks personal choice in the matter. Signup and view all the answers

How does the decline in birthrate explain the policies of the Republic of Gilead?

Gilead implemented the policy of Handmaids due to fears of population decline and low birthrate. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the night special and significant to the narrator?

Night is the only time she has to herself, so she does not feel the need to police her own thoughts at night. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Moira to the narrator and how does she function as a character?

She was the protagonist's close friend in college who was also chosen to be a Handmaid. Moira is rebellious and serves as a foil to the more cautious protagonist. Signup and view all the answers

How are the flashbacks in which women are burning pornographic magazines and the language Atwood uses to narrate them ironic?

Censorship is taking place despite the fact that it occurs before the revolution when personal freedoms were legally protected. Signup and view all the answers

How has the encounter with the Commander outside 'her' bedroom altered the narrator's thinking?

For the first time, the narrator admits that the room is hers, indicating a change in her sense of identity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the narrator's reflection 'I'm waiting, in my room, which right now is a waiting room'?

The room's identity is defined by its function, mirroring how women are identified solely by their roles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the words scratched into the floor of the cupboard?

The discovery gives the narrator a sense of companionship and a feeling of not being alone. Signup and view all the answers

What is Atwood suggesting with Aunt Lydia's protest 'Don't think it's easy for me either'?

Atwood suggests that Aunt Lydia is unhappy with Gilead and misses aspects of the past. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely origin of the physical postures of the three people involved in the Ceremony?

An ultra-literal interpretation of Rachel's instructions in Genesis suggests these awkward positions. Signup and view all the answers

What narrative purpose does Atwood achieve by using language that some readers might find offensive during the Ceremony?

Atwood emphasizes the vulgarity of the Ceremony itself through the choice of language. Signup and view all the answers

What is the clear implication of the narrator's comment 'The Commander, too, is doing his duty'?

The Ceremony is uncomfortable and unpleasant for everyone involved. Signup and view all the answers

How does the encounter between Offred and Nick include common conventions from romances?

Their spontaneous kiss illustrates their longing for physical intimacy. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about Offred handling the killing of the cat?

She thrusts Luke into the role of 'the strong one', which she previously accused him of enjoying. Signup and view all the answers

What is the historical significance of the yellow star that marks the body of an executed Jew?

It symbolizes the identification and persecution of Jews during Nazi Germany. Signup and view all the answers

What is the password used to recognize others in the network?

The password is 'Mayday'. Signup and view all the answers

How is Serena Joy's scheme an ironic twist on the supposedly biblical foundations of households like the Commander's?

It acknowledges the possibility of male sterility and reverses traditional gender roles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the ice cube that Rita gives to Offred?

The gesture can be seen as ambiguous, reflecting a power struggle within the household. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about the Commander's claim that men prior to the revolution could not 'feel'?

The provisions of Gilead have damaged intimacy between men and women. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Commander’s use of the cliché 'You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs' suggest about his character?

It illustrates his flippant attitude towards women's suffering under the regime. Signup and view all the answers

How are Salvagings and Particicutions different?

Salvagings are gender-segregated, while Particicutions involve direct violence from the Handmaids. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator mean when she says, 'He has become an it'?

The accused has lost his humanity in the eyes of the mob of Handmaids. Signup and view all the answers

How might the Salvaging and Particicution foreshadow the outcome of the novel?

These events suggest that Offred, Nick, and even Serena Joy are at risk of execution. Signup and view all the answers

Of what two words is Particicution a portmanteau?

Particicution is a blend of the words participate and execution. Signup and view all the answers

What narrative and thematic purpose does Atwood achieve by placing Offred's reflection about Jews in Gilead immediately after her prayer?

It emphasizes the danger of mandatory state religion and its consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What might be foreshadowed by Nick's warnings and Offred's comments about betrayal?

Nick's warnings suggest potential consequences for Offred's trust and behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is Atwood suggesting when she has her narrator describe the season as 'high summer' and then the 'long downward slope to fall'?

Atwood suggests that Offred's situation is reaching a turning point. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the power balance in Offred and Nick's relationship.

Their relationship is equal in terms of consent as Offred initiates encounters. Signup and view all the answers

What can the reader infer from the protagonist's memory of screaming, 'What have you done with her?'

The girl is the narrator's daughter and has been removed from the protagonist's care because she is considered an 'unfit' parent. Signup and view all the answers

What further point does Atwood make in the narrator's reflection about 'you' at the end of Chapter 7?

The narrator is aware that the story is being told after the events, indicating her interior monologue and creating a fictive audience. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about the narrator's description of the Commander's 'daddyish' disposition?

The Commander's desire reveals his humanity and suggests guilt for the previous Handmaid's suicide. Signup and view all the answers

What is the narrative effect of the narrator saying that she needs to believe the events are 'a story [she's] telling'?

It creates uncertainty about the truth or accuracy of the narrator's account, providing a sense of control over her narrative. Signup and view all the answers

Whose appeal does the narrator echo when she thinks, 'Give me children, or else I die'?

The narrator's appeal echoes Rachel from the Genesis account of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel. Signup and view all the answers

What narrative purpose does Atwood achieve by having her narrator 'believe' three contradictory scenarios about Luke?

It explores the fates of men in society, revealing Offred's love for Luke and her awareness of their shared suffering. Signup and view all the answers

What is Janine's reward for a successful pregnancy and delivery?

She will never be declared an Unwoman and sent to the Colonies. Signup and view all the answers

How is the 'women's culture' at the end of Chapter 21 not what feminists wanted?

It reflects divisions between women, particularly the Wives and Handmaids, rather than a unified, superior society. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important that the episode at Jezebel's takes place before the Ceremony?

It juxtaposes different sexual scenarios, highlighting the lack of intimacy in the Ceremony. Signup and view all the answers

How does the naming of the baby illustrate the power dynamic between Wives and Handmaids?

The Commander's Wife names the baby, while Janine, the Handmaid, is not allowed to name her own child. Signup and view all the answers

What idea or issue does Atwood's reference to the story of Jacob and Rachel from Genesis raise?

The story describes how, because she was barren, Rachel offered her own maid for her husband, Jacob, to impregnate in her stead. Signup and view all the answers

What do Offred's mother's disordered apartment and Luke's advice not to call the police suggest?

They imply the authorities have searched the apartment and the narrator's mother may have been arrested. Signup and view all the answers

What admission is the narrator of A Modest Proposal making?

He created the proposal out of desperation, having been 'utterly despairing of success' for years. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the club being called Jezebel's?

It alludes to the Old Testament queen associated with idolatry and prostitution, illustrating Gilead's misinterpretation of religious texts. Signup and view all the answers

What 'truth' does the Sufi proverb convey?

The proverb implies that there are no rules against actions that people with common sense should know to avoid. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways is Nick a foil for Luke?

Offred trusted Luke but now distrusts Nick, despite growing physical attraction, showcasing different dynamics in their relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator's remark about tulips indicate about her frame of mind?

It reveals her denial of the connection between the tulips and blood, striving for mental clarity in a traumatic environment. Signup and view all the answers

What ideas does Atwood seem to raise in the three epigraphs taken together?

They suggest that both desperation and a lack of choice are central themes in the narrative. Signup and view all the answers

What does the first brief chapter suggest about the physical and social setting of the novel?

The setting is described as a building that was once a high school, now turned into a prison. Signup and view all the answers

How is the prostitution at Jezebel's hypocritical?

The women in the brothels are sterilized, contradicting the Republic's need for procreation. Signup and view all the answers

How might the designation 'Angel' be a play on words?

It ironically refers to the guards who are subject to bribery and not the guardians of goodness traditionally associated with angels. Signup and view all the answers

What point about contemporary society does Atwood suggest with Moira's response to the revolution?

Moira's gleeful reaction indicates awareness of warning signs regarding women's rights being threatened. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator mean by referring to 'other escapes'?

She refers to methods of committing suicide. Signup and view all the answers

What does the sequence of events leading to Gilead's society parallel?

It parallels the lengthy process that resulted in the Nazi rise to power and its genocidal policies. Signup and view all the answers

What do details like the narrator's refusal to call the bedroom hers suggest about her position in the house?

Her position is not permanent, and she likely has no personal property. Signup and view all the answers

What details does Atwood provide to establish the background of the story?

Public executions and displays of bodies reveal the totalitarian nature of Gilead, reflecting its violent enforcement of power. Signup and view all the answers

What thematic purpose does Atwood achieve by comparing the transportation of women to the Underground Railroad?

It suggests a parallel struggle for rights and freedom, hinting at a possible upheaval for future change. Signup and view all the answers

What can the reader infer about the Commander's Wife based on her description?

She walks with a limp, suggesting she is either elderly or has suffered an injury. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cora's comment about having her 'tubes tied' suggest about a Handmaid's duties?

It implies that Handmaids are expected to bear children. Signup and view all the answers

Why would Quakers be willing to help Moira?

Quakers emphasize pacifism and equality, opposing the violent and segregated society of Gilead. Signup and view all the answers

How does Atwood create a sense of community in Janine's birth scene?

The women chant and grip each other's hands, fostering unity despite their circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a 'Martha' in the society of this novel?

Marthas are domestic servants, such as cooks and maids. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the relationship between Offred and her mother.

Offred admired her feminist mother but resisted living by her terms; retrospectively, she longs to reunite. Signup and view all the answers

What general conclusion about the society of this novel do the terms for prison guards and domestic servants indicate?

The society seems heavily theocratic, with roles drawn from the Bible. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator's desire to 'sink [her] hands into the soft resistant warmth which is so much like flesh' suggest?

It suggests a deep yearning for physical intimacy and connection. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the somber ancestors depicted in the painting in the church?

The ancestors are Puritans, indicating a strict fundamentalist background similar to Gilead. Signup and view all the answers

How is Offred's desire to recreate Moira's voice ambiguous?

It leaves uncertainty about Moira's fate, emphasizing the unreliable nature of Offred's memories. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the red tulips with 'a darker crimson towards the stem'?

They symbolize fertility and femininity, alluding to the Handmaids. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about the Commander's Wife's blue veil?

The blue veil, often associated with the Virgin Mary, contrasts with her inability to have children. Signup and view all the answers

What might the narrator's focus on Nick and his behavior foreshadow?

It suggests a potential romantic relationship or rebellion against their societal roles. Signup and view all the answers

What does the protagonist's reaction to the Japanese tourists' appearances reveal?

It shows how much she has internalized Gilead's propaganda regarding modesty. Signup and view all the answers

What do the guarded barriers and the news about Baptist rebels indicate about the social background?

They indicate a regime at war, emphasizing divisions based on religious affiliation. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator's remark about the tulips and blood indicate about her frame of mind?

It implies a denial of connection between the symbols of fertility and death. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Epigraphs and Themes

The story of Rachel and Jacob from Genesis illustrates desperation and the role of surrogate motherhood, reflecting Gilead's practices.
Jonathan Swift's admission of despair in "A Modest Proposal" hints at extreme measures taken in dire circumstances.
The Sufi proverb implies that societal rules may not always align with common sense, suggesting themes of survival in desperation.

Expectations Set by Epigraphs

Combined references imply the title's significance and the nature of practices in Gilead being last resorts.
The dualistic nature of the Sufi proverb indicates harm caused by societal constraints, suggesting characters may face severe dilemmas.

Setting and Atmosphere

The narrative begins in a repurposed high school, now resembling a prison, revealing social transformation in a dystopian future.
Use of U.S. army blankets signifies a loss of the United States as a nation and hints at recent societal changes.

Irony in Terminology

The term "Angel" for guards plays on associations with benevolence, contrasting their corrupt behavior and control over Handmaids.
Guards are ironically referred to as angels, highlighting the twisted morality in Gilead's hierarchy.

Mental and Physical Escape

"Other escapes" refer to suicide, revealing the oppressive society that drives women to desperate measures.
Preventative measures taken against self-harm indicate the dire conditions and emotional torment faced by women.

Identity and Agency

The narrator’s refusal to claim her bedroom as hers indicates a lack of ownership and permanence in her life.
Cora's reference to sterilization signifies the reproductive role imposed on Handmaids, reflecting societal control over women's bodies.

Gender Roles

Marthas, depicted as domestic workers, emphasize the strict division of labor and gender roles within Gilead’s hierarchy.

Theocratic Society

The overall societal structure is heavily theocratic, drawing on biblical teachings and reinforcing oppressive practices against women.

Symbolism in Bread

The act of baking bread symbolizes a desire for physical connection and intimacy, further connecting sustenance with human experience.

Symbolism of Red Tulips

Red tulips symbolize fertility and the Handmaids, with darker shades representing the potential for violence and bloodshed related to reproduction.
Tulips may allude to Calvinist teachings, connecting theocratic society with historical religious roots.

Ironic Symbolism of the Veil

The Commander's Wife's blue veil signifies traditional virtue while ironically highlighting her infertility, showcasing societal contradictions.

Foreshadowing Relationships

Possible romantic tension between the narrator and Nick may signal rebellion against societal rules and hint at future complications.

Narrative Distortion

The discrepancy in the narrator's attraction to Nick suggests an unreliable narrative, as she navigates societal expectations and her true feelings.

Elements of Dystopia

Gilead represents a loss of personal freedoms, privacy, and rising suicide rates as escapes from oppression, highlighting trauma and control tactics.
Censorship and isolation are prevalent, with Handmaids disconnected from each other to prevent solidarity.

The regime's violent control through public executions indicates a totalitarian approach, stifling dissent and enforcing fear.
Clues about the societal backdrop reveal ongoing conflict and oppressive governance, with the narrator exposed to the harsh realities of life in Gilead.

Protagonist's Internal Conflict

The narrator’s comments on tulips reflect her mental struggle to maintain clarity amidst trauma, illustrating her attempt to distance from personal connections and assess survival.

Night as an Escape

Night-time serves as the protagonist’s only moment of solitude, highlighting her longing for freedom from oppressive thoughts.

Rebellious Characterization

Moira acts as a foil to the protagonist, representing rebellion and questioning authority while the protagonist adopts compliance to survive.

Ironic Censorship

Flashbacks to burning magazines reveal an ironic perspective on censorship, juxtaposing past freedoms with current oppression, as past actions become twisted in memory under current regimes.

Key Themes and Contexts

Censorship and Control: The burning of objectionable objects reflects the oppressive societal norms in Gilead that aim to "protect" women from perceived vulgarity.
Identity and Isolation: The narrator acknowledges her room as "hers" after her encounter with the Commander, marking a subtle shift in her sense of identity and companionship.
Function Over Identity: The narrator's description of her room as a "waiting room" emphasizes how individual identities are reduced to mere functions in Gilead's society.

Symbolism and Interpretation

Discovery of Inscription: The narrator finds words scratched into the cupboard, providing a sense of historical companionship and connection with previous occupants, correlating with the symbol of rebirth after three days reminiscent of the Resurrection.
Aunt Lydia's Regret: Aunt Lydia's protest reveals her deeper discontent with Gilead and her longing for the privileges of the past, despite her role in enforcing the regime.
Ceremony Execution: The physical positions of the Ceremony symbolize a distorted interpretation of Biblical teachings, showcasing how extremist ideologies can lead to absurdity and degradation.

Language and Tone

Vulgarity of the Ceremony: Atwood's choice of language aims to highlight the Ceremony's inherent degradation despite social attempts at sanctifying it.
Dehumanization in Violence: The commander's duties during the Ceremony show that intimacy has eroded under Gilead, offering no comfort or fulfillment to participants.

Relationships and Power Dynamics

Offred and Nick's Connection: Their forbidden kiss symbolizes a deep yearning for intimacy and connection amidst their repressive environment, yet it culminates in a subversion of romantic cliches when Nick's message reveals underlying danger.
Power Imbalance: Offred's precarious position in her relationship with Nick highlights the risk of betrayal and the need for discretion regarding her actions.

Historical and Cultural References

Jewish Persecution: Offred's observations of the treatment of Jews draw parallels between Gilead’s practices and historical atrocities such as those in Nazi Germany, emphasizing themes of oppression and dehumanization.
Symbolism of the Yellow Star: Reflects the regime’s hypocrisy in how it masks its true nature behind the facade of protection and religious mandates.

Irony and Foreshadowing

Serena Joy's Scheme: The suggestion to involve Nick in procreation subverts traditional gender roles and exposes the fragility of the society’s proclaimed values.
Consequences of Salvagings: The execution practices serve as warnings for women and mirror the potential fate awaiting Offred due to her defiance.

Language and Terminology

Prayvaganza and Particicution: New words illustrate the regime's control and manipulation through bland euphemisms, highlighting the society's regulation of language as a means of exerting power.

Personal Struggles and Coping Mechanisms

Penance and Regret: Offred reflects on personal choices that led to her discontent and struggles with inner conflict regarding her relationship with Luke and her current situation.
Long-term Hope and Resilience: Offred’s mental preparation for escape or potential suicide illustrates her psychological struggle between despair and hope for liberation.

Climax and Turning Points

Revelation During Flashback: The narrator’s recollection of betrayal emphasizes the narrative’s climactic shift from hope to the realities of oppression faced in Gilead.
Symbolic Season Change: References to "high summer" suggest a peak in Offred's experiences and choices before a decline, hinting at approaching crises and pivotal decisions.

These notes encapsulate the significant themes, character dynamics, and narrative techniques employed throughout the chapters, orienting students in their understanding of the text.### Chapter Insights

Offred's capture signifies the broader struggles of escape within Gilead, highlighting the difficulties in seeking freedom.
Offred suspects the existence of a resistance and hopes for contact to retain her sanity for a possible future role.

Irony of Language

Terms like "unbabies" and "shredders" dehumanize disabled infants, implying they are disposable, thus justifying their quick deaths.
The society commodifies babies, valuing only healthy ones while enforcing strict procreation policies based on birthrate fears.

Hope and Storytelling

Offred expresses hope through her storytelling, believing in a future where her words might reach someone.
She seeks to preserve her essence for potential generations or allies against Gilead's oppression.

Human Connection

The Commander's wish for Offred's life to be bearable illustrates his humanity and evokes guilt over a previous Handmaid's suicide.
Offred uses discussions about her potential death as leverage to gain information and connection with him.

Policy Rationale

The Republic of Gilead's policies on Handmaids are driven by declining birthrates, compelling women to procreate under threat of worse fates.

Reality vs. Appearance

Offred critiques the recreated past in brothels, contrasting the fabricated joy with the genuine freedoms of earlier times to highlight their loss.

Offred views her encounter with Nick as a betrayal, emphasizing the difference between coerced actions with the Commander and her genuine desire for Nick.

Symbolism of Resistance

The phrase "Nolite te bastardes carborundorum" serves as a false beacon of hope from the past, reflecting disappointment and possibly intensifying Offred’s resolve for resistance.

Narrative Techniques

Offred's reaction to a breach of protocol hints at a shift in her emotional landscape, foreshadowing deeper connections with the Commander.
Passivity in the narrative (active vs. passive voice) illustrates Offred's lack of agency within Gilead’s authoritarian framework.

Juxtaposition of Past and Present

Memories of mundane joys, like ice cream, starkly contrast with the horror of violence under Gilead, emphasizing emotional turmoil and loss.

Female Relationships

Gilead enforces a flawed women’s culture, wherein divisions like Wives and Handmaids diminish solidarity, undermining feminist ideals.

Impact of Friendships

Moira's unexpected return symbolizes hope and the intertwining of Offred's past with current struggles against the oppressive regime.

Commander's Naivety

The Commander’s belief in women's preference for their constrained roles reflects a disconnect from the reality of their oppression and lack of meaningful choice.

Themes of Memory

The narrative layering reveals Offred's internalized pleas for help, blending her past and present traumas while amplifying her emotional struggle.

Janine's Reality

Successful pregnancies secure a woman's status and prevent falling into the colony; this highlights the twisted incentives within Gilead's control mechanisms.

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Test your knowledge on the themes and epigraphs presented in the first two chapters of 'The Handmaid's Tale'. This quiz will challenge your understanding of the characters and their motivations. Perfect for preparation for your upcoming test!