AO3 - context

Question 1

Fundamentalism

Answer 1

Gilead is a fundamentalist Christian sect, although it is never clear what specific branch of Christianity forms the basis of its organisation. Fundamentalism is a form of religion, especially Protestant Christianity that upholds belief in the literal interpretation of scripture.

Question 2

The Puritans

Answer 2

Atwood has stated that Gilead is primarily inspired by the Puritans who migrated from England to America in the 1600s. The Great Puritan Migration was a period in the 17th century during which English Puritans migrated to New England

Question 3

The New Christian Right

Answer 3

a political movement of right wing Christian fundamentalist groups advocating an ultra-conservative political and social agenda

Question 4

social-historical context

resistance movement definition

Answer 4

an organised group of people that tries to resist the government or an occupying power, causing disruption and unrest in civil order and stability. Mayday described as ‘quasi-military’ in novel

Question 5

social-historical context

resistance movements in the 20th century

Answer 5

the French underground resistance in WWII (Nick described as having a French face)

Question 6

social-historical context

Mayday

Answer 6

distress call in WWII

Question 7

social-historical context

underground railroad

Answer 7

a network of clandestine routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early-mid 19th century. It was used by enslaved African American primarily to escape into free states and Canada