1. The novel begins with three epigraphs. What are their
functions?
2. In Gilead, women are categorized as wives, handmaids,
Marthas, or Aunts, but Moira refuses to fit into a niche. Offred
says she was like an elevator with open sides who made them dizzy;
she was their fantasy. Trace Moira''s role throughout the tale to
determine what she symbolizes.
3. Aunt Lydia, Janine, and Offred''s mother also represent more
than themselves. What do each of their characters connote? What do
the style and color of their clothes symbolize?
4. At one level, The Handmaid''s Tale is about
the writing process. Atwood cleverly weaves this sub-plot into a
major focus with remarks by Offred such as "Context is all," and
"I''ve filled it out for her," "I made that up," and "I wish this
story were different." Does Offred''s habit of talking about the
process of storytelling make it easier or more difficult for you to
suspend disbelief?
5. A palimpsest is a medieval parchment that scribes attempted
to scrape clean and use again, though they were unable to
obliterate all traces of the original. How does the new republic of
Gilead''s social order often resemble a palimpsest?
6. The Commander in the novel says you can''t cheat nature. How
do characters find ways to follow their natural instincts?
7. Why is the Bible under lock and key in Gilead?
8. Babies are referred to as "a keeper," "unbabies,"
"shredders." What other real or fictional worlds do these terms
suggest?
9. Atwood''s title brings to mind titles from Chaucer''s
The Canterbury Tales. Why might Atwood have wanted
you to make that connection?
10. What do you feel the "Historical Notes" at the book''s end
add to the reading of this novel? What does the book''s last line
mean to you?