themes

Question 1

Power and Control

Answer 1

Explanation: Gilead is a theocratic regime built on rigid control. Power is exercised through surveillance, language, and violence.

Key Quote: “Better never means better for everyone. It always means worse for some.”

Question 2

Gender Roles & Patriarchy

Answer 2

Gender Roles & Patriarchy
Explanation: The novel critiques patriarchal oppression, exploring how women are reduced to their reproductive function.

Key Quote: “We are two-legged wombs, that’s all: sacred vessels, ambulatory chalices.”

Question 3

Freedom and Oppression

Answer 3

Explanation: Gilead trades personal freedoms for “protection”. There’s a contrast between “freedom to” and “freedom from”.

Key Quote: “When we think of the past it’s the beautiful things we pick out. We want to believe it was all like that.”

Question 4

Religion and Theocracy

Answer 4

Explanation: Gilead uses scripture to justify its authoritarian rule, but often distorts religion for political purposes.

Key Quote: “Blessed be the fruit.”

Question 5

Language and Identity

Answer 5

Explanation: Language is a tool of control. Renaming Handmaids strips them of identity; storytelling becomes resistance.

Key Quote: “Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.”

Question 6

Feminism and Resistance

Answer 6

Explanation: Atwood presents different types of resistance—silent, passive, and active—highlighting feminist themes.

Key Quote: “A rat in a maze is free to go anywhere, as long as it stays inside the maze.”

Question 7

Memory and Storytelling

Answer 7

Explanation: Offred’s fragmented narrative shows how memory can be an act of defiance and self-preservation.

Key Quote: “I would like to believe this is a story I’m telling. I need to believe it.”