The Handmaid's Tale Chapters 40-46

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of a Salvaging?

A Salvaging is for the purpose of demonstrating to everyone what happens when crimes are committed.

Who is being Salvaged at the Women's Salvaging?

Two Handmaids and one Wife are being Salvaged.

What will happen to those who are 'salvaged'?

They will be hanged.

What were the likely crimes committed by the Wife and Handmaid being Salvaged?

The Wife likely killed or attempted to kill her Handmaid or husband, or committed adultery. The Handmaid committed a similar crime or was engaged in treasonous acts. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Particicution?

A Particicution is a group execution in which everyone participates. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Guardian subjected to a Particicution according to Aunt Lydia?

He raped two Handmaids, one of whom was pregnant. Signup and view all the answers

How do the Handmaids feel after Aunt Lydia blows the whistle for the Particicution?

They look at the man in horror. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ofglen do during the Particicution?

She propels herself through the crowd to kick the Guardian in the head several times. Signup and view all the answers

What does Offred notice about Janine?

Janine has become completely unhinged. Signup and view all the answers

What draws Offred's attention to the fact that Ofglen is not her original companion?

Ofglen is smaller. Signup and view all the answers

How does the new Ofglen differ from her former self?

She is straight-faced and straight-laced, making Offred feel uncertain. Signup and view all the answers

What is Ofglen's response when asked if the former Ofglen has been transferred?

She says, 'I am Ofglen.' Signup and view all the answers

What does Ofglen tell Offred about the former Ofglen?

The former Ofglen hanged herself after the Salvaging. Signup and view all the answers

What mood is established in the chapters and how is it accomplished?

The mood is one of urgency and barely concealed panic. Signup and view all the answers

What does Serena Joy discover?

She finds her winter cloak with lipstick on it and the purple sequined outfit. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion does Offred come to concerning faith?

It is only a word, embroidered. Signup and view all the answers

Who comes for Offred in the end?

Nick opens her door and tells her that it is okay, it is Mayday. Signup and view all the answers

What do the university and professor names reveal?

The names are not typical Caucasian or American names, suggesting vast changes in society. Signup and view all the answers

How did The Handmaid's Tale come to be titled according to Professor Pieixoto?

It was titled by Professor Wade, who appreciated Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Signup and view all the answers

What tone does Pieixoto take towards women in general?

He is a bit vulgar and derogatory. Signup and view all the answers

What were the justifications for the Particicution ceremony?

It eliminated subversives and acted as a release for the Handmaids. Signup and view all the answers

How is Offred's experience with Nick different from her experiences with the Commander?

There is privacy and the potential for something more with Nick. Signup and view all the answers

How does Offred wish her story could be different?

She wishes there could be less pain and that she could be more inclined to take action. Signup and view all the answers

What does Offred do with Nick that she doesn't do with anyone else?

She talks to Nick and shares things about herself. Signup and view all the answers

What does Offred tell Nick that is significant?

Offred tells Nick her real name, reestablishing her identity. Signup and view all the answers

Why don't Nick and Offred ever use the word 'love'?

There is a belief that it is bad luck to use the word. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ofglen want Offred to do regarding the Commander?

Gather information about him and snoop in his office. Signup and view all the answers

What has Nick warned Offred about?

To act like she always has, or someone will notice. Signup and view all the answers

What is Offred certain of by the end of Chapter 41?

She is certain that she is pregnant with Nick's child. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'infallible' mean?

Free from error. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'pristine' mean?

As it was in its earliest state. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'demographic' refer to?

Having to do with the science of statistics of human population. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'synchronicity' mean?

Occurring at the same time. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'progeny' refer to?

Descendants. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'patronymic' mean?

A name derived from father or paternal ancestor. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'repatriation' mean?

Sent back to one's own country. Signup and view all the answers

What are 'scapegoats'?

Persons made to bear the blame for the mistakes of others. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'vouchsafe' mean?

To permit. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Salvaging and Particicution

Salvagings serve as public demonstrations of punishment for crimes in Gilead; two Handmaids and one Wife are executed.
Victims are typically those guilty of serious offenses like adultery or violence against Handmaids.
A Particicution involves participants in an execution; a Guardian accused of raping two Handmaids faces this brutal enactment.

Reactions during Particicution

The Guardian, weakened and terrified, attempts to speak as he is beaten. Handmaids experience a mix of horror and desire for violence.
Ofglen's brutal attack on the Guardian stems from her belief that he was unjustly labeled a rapist, seeking to spare him further suffering.

Changes in Ofglen and Offred's Observations

Offred senses that the new Ofglen is smaller and more reserved, signaling a significant character shift.
The new Ofglen appears straight-laced and tightly controlled, making Offred uncertain of her true beliefs.

Insights into Ofglen's Fate

Offred learns that the original Ofglen hanged herself after witnessing the violent consequences during the Salvaging.
The mood during this segment shifts towards urgency and panic as Offred navigates her precarious circumstances.

Serena Joy and Offred's Internal Conflict

Serena Joy discovers an item from Offred's past, emphasizing the tension between characters in Gilead.
Offred reflects on her faith, concluding it is merely a superficial concept.

Cliffhanger Ending

In a twist, Nick, not the Eyes, comes for Offred, expressing that it is Mayday, indicating a potential rescue.

Historical Context and Perspective

Professor Pieixoto's analysis of the text reveals shifts in societal norms; names & backgrounds suggest significant changes post-Gilead.
He attributes the title “The Handmaid’s Tale” to Professor Wade’s admiration for Chaucer.

Tone and Character Analysis

Pieixoto's vulgar tone regarding women and the novel highlights societal dismissiveness; Atwood’s Historical Notes contrast perspectives on key events.
Justifications for Particicution reveal it as both a form of punishment and a necessary release for Handmaids’ pent-up emotions.

Offred's Relationship Dynamics

Offred’s connection with Nick diverges from her experiences with the Commander, offering intimacy beyond mere duty.
She yearns for a less painful existence and confides in Nick, revealing her true identity and sense of self.
The avoidance of the word "love" between Offred and Nick symbolizes superstition and fear of vulnerability.

Increased Tension and Internal Struggles

Ofglen encourages Offred to spy on the Commander, but Offred's growing attachment to Nick diminishes her concern for rebellion.
Nick warns Offred to maintain her façade, reflecting the need for survival amidst Gilead's oppressive scrutiny.
By Chapter 41, Offred is certain of her pregnancy with Nick, intensifying her internal conflict and hopes for escape.

Vocabulary Highlights

Infallible: free from error
Pristine: as it was in its earliest state
Demographic: related to human population statistics
Synchronicity: occurring simultaneously
Progeny: descendants
Patronymic: name derived from a father
Repatriation: returning to one's country
Scapegoats: individuals blamed for others' mistakes
Vouchsafe: to grant permission.

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Test your knowledge of chapters 40 to 46 of 'The Handmaid's Tale' with this quiz. Explore key themes, events, and characters as they relate to the complex narrative of this dystopian novel. Perfect for fans and students alike looking to deepen their understanding.