Handmaid’s Tale critics

Question 1

Gabi Reigh

Answer 1

“only in her imagination that she can escape the restrictions of the dystopian world of Gilead”

Question 2

Gabi Reigh

Answer 2

“the novel ends with a male voice questioning the validity of the female perspective can be read in different ways”

Question 3

Lehmann-Haupt

Answer 3

“it holds out the possibility of redemption”

Question 4

Lehmann-Haupt

Answer 4

“a taut thriller, a psychological study”

Question 5

Kirkus

Answer 5

“a feminist vision of apocalypse

Question 6

Gray

Answer 6

“transcends tense and time”

Question 7

O’Duffy

Answer 7

“vague, symbolic emotions cloak some of the truth of what goes on in Gilead”

Question 8

Roberts

Answer 8

“patriarchal theocratic chains that bind Offred to her submissive role”

Question 9

Roberts

Answer 9

“eschews opportunities for courageous sedition…to enjoy the lesser subversion of illicit games of scrabble”

Question 10

Dopp

Answer 10

“the Handmaid seems to speak for all women”

Question 11

Roberts

Answer 11

“dystopian protagonists are incapable of ‘outstanding’ heroism”

Question 12

Stokwisz

Answer 12

“Language is highlighted as the main instrument of ideological and social control”

Question 13

Myrsiades

Answer 13

“re-productive slaves”

Question 14

Onyett

Answer 14

“the mantra is ostensibly a reminder to never submit”

Question 15

Malak

Answer 15

“skill portrayal of a state that in theory claims to be founded on Christian principles”

Question 16

Howell

Answer 16

“Atwood’s feminist concerns are plain here but so too are her concern for basic human rights”

Question 17

Klarer

Answer 17

“women from all classes of society are denied written discourse. these measures aim at giving male leadership all the advantages”

Question 18

Wisker

Answer 18

“there is no sisterhood, only division and disempowerment”

Question 19

Beran

Answer 19

“Offred’s power is in language”

Question 20

Daniels & Bowen

Answer 20

“every step, ever mouthful of food, every move is observed, reported, circumvented or approved”

Question 21

Macpherson

Answer 21

“Fear of betrayal and inculcated self surveillance keep the handmaids from speaking out”

Question 22

Goldblatt

Answer 22

“the work women do, conspires to maintain the subjection of their own kind”

Question 23

Green

Answer 23

“Atwood’s vision does not offer easy solution”

Question 24

Cavalcanti

Answer 24

“the monthly rape ‘ceremony’…synthesises institutionalised humiliation, objectification and ownership of women in Gilead”

Question 24

Wagner-Lawlor

Answer 24

“Offred is politically complacent before the takeover”

Question 25

Gottlieb

Answer 25

“the central character cannot be made responsible for his or her ultimate failure or defeat in the repressive system that overpowers individuals”