HMT 31-40

Question 1

What is the context of Jezebel?

Answer 1

she is an ancient Queen who encouraged her husband to worship pagan gods and arranged the murder of a vineyard owner. She dressed herself in finery and makeup before she died, her name became a byword for immoral, cunning women- today we may see her as a strong feminist

Question 2

what is the significance of prayvaganza?

Answer 2

this combines the words pray and extravaganza- this formed using a portmanteau- a blending of two words
This reflects the fact that Jesus spouted the importance of praying silently which the regime has taken as a public display.

Question 3

what is key context for the nuns in chapter 34?

Answer 3

trainee nuns exchange a white veil for a black one, Atwood presents the image of the nuns being forced to take the “red veil” of the handmaids, a nun who does not submit to such a status is banished as a unwoman- the nuns inherently are going against the regime of Gilead.

Question 4

what are the Victorian polarised stereotypes/ the biblical opposites.

Answer 4

Victorian stereotypes- the angel in the house vs the fallen women
The madonna- Jesus’ mother vs Mary magdalene the prostitute.

Question 5

examples of there being no middle ground in Gilead?

Answer 5

the virgins, the wives, daughters, holy handmaids etc… vs the whores at Jezebel’s
There is no middle ground in Gilead

Question 6

what is the idea of the male gaze?

Answer 6

this is the act of depicting women and the world in literature from a masculine perspective, this empowers men and demonises women.

Question 7

what are key contexts?

Answer 7

Quakers- this is a form of christianity that is notable for its treatment of women and avoidance of hierarchal structures, they were prominent in the abolition of slavery.
the Underground Railroad- this was an escape route for runaway slaves in Canada, around 30000 slaves reached Canada this way
The reference to playboy- Gloria Steinem revealed the exploitation and sexualised abused that many women faced, when she worked undercover at the Playboy Club.

Question 8

what are key references to A05?

Answer 8

Michelle Arch- “in nearly every genre of literature, the mirror has remained an intricate representation of identity and self-consciousness”
Animal imagery- the reference to playboy “presents women as desirable objects to be pursued”…“the bird or bunny might not always be caught”.