AO5 Critics - The Handmaids Tale

Question 1

Quote from “Ecofeminist Vision: A Study of Margaret Atwood’s Surfacing and The Handmaid’s Tale” by K. Reshmi

Answer 1

Her body is segmented and her value is determined on the basis of her reproductive capability.

Question 2

Beran

Answer 2

“Offred’s power is in language.”

Question 3

Quote by Cavalcanti about the Biblical References and Foundations in Gilead

Answer 3

Monthly rape ceremony… synthesises the institutionalised humiliation, objectification and ownerships of women in Gilead

Question 4

Quote by Erika Gottlieb about free will in Gilead

Answer 4

“Since the dystopian regime denies its subjects’ free will, the central character cannot be made responsible for his or her ultimate failure or defeat in the repressive system that overpowers individuals.”

Question 5

Briscoe: Moira is…

Answer 5

Offred’s rebel alter ego

Question 6

Birbal: the only place that people are free is…

Answer 6

in their own heads

Question 7

Social Cycle Theory

Answer 7

• events and stages of society and history generally repeat themselves in cycles.
• cyclical history & political movements
• e.g. outlaw abortion & limit LGBTQ (in present day as well as past)