The Handmaid's Tale Chapters 30-35 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does Offred think is the reason her nightgown was made with long sleeves?

To keep them from the temptations of their own flesh.

What does Luke decide to do with the cat before he and Offred make their escape?

Kill the cat.

How would you characterize the God that Offred prays to? Does she seem to believe in God?

She prays to a very real God and still believes in Him.

What is the implication of Offred's statement, 'what would be the use, this isn't a jail sentence'?

Her role as a Handmaid is worse than a jail sentence. Signup and view all the answers

How has Labor Day changed?

It now celebrates mothers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the password to recognize others in the network?

Mayday. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways does Serena act out of character upon Offred's return home?

She swears, asks Offred to hold her wool, and shows concern for Offred's feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What is Serena's surprising suggestion regarding Offred's situation?

To use another man, namely Nick, to conceive. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Rita's gift of the ice cube important?

It is given freely, without coercion. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Commander reveal about the wants of men?

They simply want intimacy. Signup and view all the answers

What has happened with Janine and her child?

Janine has been moved to another posting and looks ill; her child was a 'shredder.' Signup and view all the answers

What is common knowledge about Janine and the child's conception?

Janine used a doctor to conceive the baby. Signup and view all the answers

What does Offred recall about Janine's mental status at the Red Center? What does this foreshadow?

Janine lost her mind, indicating her sanity will not remain strong. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Prayvaganza?

To marry the daughters of Commanders to Angels. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Commander justify the new system?

He claims they have given more than they have taken by arranging marriages. Signup and view all the answers

What did the system fail to take into consideration, according to Offred?

Love. Signup and view all the answers

How are men's and women's Prayvaganzas different?

Women's are for group weddings; men's are for military victories. Signup and view all the answers

Why don't the Handmaids like to draw a recanted nun for a shopping partner?

Nuns are too broken due to harsh processes. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ofglen know, and what does she want from Offred?

She knows Offred is seeing the Commander alone and wants information. Signup and view all the answers

What invalidated the marriage between Luke and Offred?

Luke was divorced, making their marriage technically invalid. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference in the way Offred and the Commander view love?

For Offred, love is central to self-understanding; for the Commander, it is trivial. Signup and view all the answers

How has Time affected Offred and her daughter?

Time has changed them; Offred describes herself as 'obliterated.' Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapters 30 - 32 Highlights

Offred believes her long-sleeved nightgown is designed to prevent self-touching and temptation among Handmaids.
Luke decides to kill their cat as a necessary act before their escape, as leaving it behind would lead to starvation or suspicion.
Offred's prayers to God are raw and desperate, contrasting with the false faith promoted by Gilead; she seeks help to endure her daily life.
Offred feels her existence as a Handmaid is worse than a jail sentence, as there’s no hope for freedom or a conclusion to her misery.
Labor Day has been redefined from honoring workers to celebrating motherhood.
The password "Mayday" serves as a code to identify allies within the resistance network.
Serena Joy shows unusual concern for Offred’s well-being and discusses her potential pregnancy, breaking social barriers.
Serena proposes that Offred use Nick to conceive, revealing her knowledge of Offred's daughter, evoking feelings of betrayal and revenge in Offred.
Rita’s spontaneous gift of an ice cube symbolizes kindness amidst Gilead's oppression.
The Commander reveals that men primarily seek intimacy in their relationships.

Chapters 33 - 35 Key Points

Janine is relocated after her child, labeled a "shredder," exhibits health issues, indicating a troubling fate for her.
It is an open secret that Janine utilized a doctor for conception, defying Gilead's strict reproductive laws.
Offred recalls Janine’s fragile mental state at the Red Center, foreshadowing her potential insanity.
The Prayvaganza is orchestrated to marry Commanders' daughters to Angels, signaling the regime’s control over marriages.
The Commander justifies arranged marriages by claiming they address societal issues like dating and body image, dismissing love as unimportant.
Offred critiques the system for neglecting love; the Commander argues arranged marriages are superior, viewing love as an anomaly.
Women’s Prayvaganzas focus on collective weddings, while men’s ceremonies celebrate military triumphs, showcasing gender disparities in Gilead.
Handmaids avoid pairing with recanted nuns, perceiving them as severely broken from the harsh procedures endured.
Ofglen is aware of Offred’s secret meet-ups with the Commander and seeks information for the resistance.
Offred and Luke’s marriage was invalidated due to his divorce, allowing their daughter to be labeled illegitimate and taken away.
The Commander views love frivolously; for Offred, love encompasses her identity and grip on reality.
Time has negatively transformed both Offred and her daughter; Offred feels invisible and “obliterated,” illustrating her profound loss and grief.

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Description

Explore key concepts and important details from chapters 30 to 35 of 'The Handmaid's Tale' through this set of flashcards. Test your understanding of the characters' motivations. Perfect for students and fans of the novel alike.