Elements of political and social protest writing (the handsmaids tale)

Question 1

the type of the text itself

Answer 1

whether it is a post-modern novel, science fiction, satirical poetry, historical and political drama

Question 2

the settings

Answer 2

that are created as backdrops for political and social action and the power struggles that are played out on them. Both places (real and imagined) and time settings will also be significant here

Question 3

the specific nature of the power struggle,

Answer 3

the behaviours of those with power and those without, those who have their hands on the levers of power

Question 4

the pursuit of power itself, rebellion against those with power, warfare

Answer 4

the workings of the ruling political classes

Question 5

corruption, conspiracy, control

Answer 5

the connection of the smaller world to the larger world

Question 6

the focus on human organisation:

Answer 6

domestically, in the work place, in local and national governments

Question 7

gender politics and issues of social class

Answer 7

the structural patterning of the text, how political tensions are heightened and perhaps resolved

Question 8

the way that language is used in the worlds that are created

Answer 8

the way that political and social protest writing is used to comment on society, particularly the representation of society at particular historical periods

Question 9

ultimately how political and social protest writing

Answer 9

affects audiences and readers, inviting reflection on our own world.