Handmaids tale Flashcards
Themes (12 cards)
How is power enforced and maintained in Gilead?
Gilead maintains power through surveillance ,fear and religious justifications , also having autonomy over women’s bodies
What symbolism is used in THMT to show power?
THMT used the eyes, aunts ,commanders and uniforms
How are women stripped of identity in Gilead?
Naming them after their commander, banning reading writing and enforcing strict roles.
How does offred resist losing her identity
Offred has this subtle resistance through her narrative , memories, storytelling and internal monologue
What roles are assigned to women in Gilead?
Handmaids, Marthas,Aunts
How does the novel challenge traditional gender roles?
Showing extremes of patriarchal control and the emotional and psychological toll
How is masculinity portrayed in THMT
Dominant, controlling, flawed and insecure , many male characters are complicit or powerless
How does the commanders rebellious behaviour reflect the flaws of Gilead?
His secret indulgences and hypocrisy reveal the fragility and performative nature of power.
How is THMT a feminist novel?
Critiques the control of women’s bodies, highlights women’s resistance and explores the consequences of patriarchal systems
How does Atwood address different types of feminism?
Offred(resistance), Moira(active defiance), Serena(complicit conservative feminism)
What forms of rebellion appear in the novel?
Passive resistance, active rebellion, escape attempts, stealing or writing.
How does the ending suggest hope or continued resistance?
Historical notes imply that Gilead fell and offreds story was preserved , suggesting rebellion had lasting impact.
