Context

Question 1

Slavery

Answer 1

Historical context:
- The “children of ham” in Gilead represent the black population and are displaced from society.
- Slavery in the USA was abolished in 1865.
- The Underground Railroad had been used as an escape route in northern USA to Canada, helped by Quakers. It took slaves from safe house to safe house to freedom in Canada. (femaleroad referred to in chpt 38)
- Like the slaves, Handmaids are referred to by their patronymic, they are separated from their birth families, they are tattooed, and should they escape, they are severely punished.

Question 2

The Feminist Movement (1970s)

Answer 2

• It demonstrated more women seeking liberation in a time Atwood herself was in her 20s/30s.
• In the novel, Offred’s mother was a feminist; she gives birth at 37, attends rallies, and fights for women’s rights, all aspects Gilead suppresses. -
  Pieixoto refers to events in the “immediate pre-Gilead period”, namely, those of the 1970s.
• Atwood also shows those against feminism in characters like Serena Joy, based on Phyllis Schlafy, an anti-feminist right wing who believed a woman’s place was in the home.
• Atwood creates a novel where events are viewed from a female perspective.

Atwood draws upon the growing idea during the 80s that women were somehow responsible for rape committed against them. Often, the victim would be put on trial for wearing provocative clothing etc. (chpt 13)

Question 3

Hitler and Nazi Germany

Answer 3

• Books with seditious, undesirable content were burned (Gilead has strong restrictions on literature).
• Hitler’s “Third-reich” were encouraged to betray others that were non-supporters (Offred often questions Nick’s trust).
• Hitler made Jews where yellow stars (Jews hung in Gilead wore them for recognition).
• In performing genocide and creating acceptance of it, Hitler labelled Jews as less than human (In Chp 30, Offred statesbhow “before you kill, you have to create an it”).
• Hitler encouraged zealous admiration of the youth (In Chp 4 a Offred says “The young ones [Guardians] are often the most fanatical”).

Question 4

theocracy

Answer 4

Gilead is a state run using the ‘rule’ of religion and using religious teachings as justification for actions

Question 5

Biblical teachings

Answer 5

• manipulated to justify Gilead’s treatment of others
• The handmaids are unable to challenge the rules or get authenticity as “the bible is kept locked up… it is an incendiary device”
• The old testament teaches “an eye for an eye”
• The stores have religious names:
  “Milk and Honey” is the land of the rich in Exodus
  “All flesh” is what humans are called in Genesis when God blames them for all violence and destruction on Earth