The Handmaid's Tale - Guide

Offred is brought to the house of Serena Joy and Fred, a commander of Gilead. We begin to learn the history of the transition between the liberal USA of the 1980s and the sectarian state of Gilead. Chapters 1- 12 of the novel immerse the reader in Gilead.

Offred is brought to the house of Serena Joy and Fred, a commander of Gilead. We begin to learn the history of the transition between the liberal USA of the 1980s and the sectarian state of Gilead. Chapters 1- 12

Chapters 12 - 24 of The Handmaid's Tale. This section covers the birth of Offred's daughter, Angela, memories of Moira's escape and the Commander's invitation to a friendly game of Scrabble. Words have power, as Offred learns.

Chapters 12 - 24 of The Handmaid's Tale. This section covers the birth of Offred's daughter, Angela, memories of Moira's escape and the Commander's invitation to a friendly game of Scrabble.

This section covers chapters 25 - 36 of The Handmaid's Tale. This covers events from the birth of Ofwarren's baby to the commander bringing Offred to Jezebels, the club for senior figures in Gilead. This society has two very different roles for women.

This section covers chapters 25 - 36 of The Handmaid's Tale. This covers events from the birth of Ofwarren's baby to the commander bringing Offred to Jezebels, the club for senior figures in Gilead.

This module details the final quarter of The Handmaid's Tale. It covers Moira's experience as relayed through Jezebels, The salvagings and particicution, as well as Offred's eventual departures at the hands of Mayday.

Trailer for the 1990 film adaptation of 'The Handmaid's Tale', based on the best-selling and critically acclaimed novel by booker prize winning author Margaret Atwood. Starring: Natasha Richardson as Offred; Robert Duvall as the Commander & Faye Dunaway

This MindMap examines The Handmaid's Tale from a number of different angles. Characters, critical insights, themes and motifs are illustrated with examples from the text. A handy refresher if you haven't read the book in a while.

Margaret Atwood constructed the oppressive world of Gilead using real world examples of control and propaganda. The particicution scene, for instance, is modeled on a prisoners escape from the Nazis. Her own people beat her to death on return.

This collection of memorable quotes are taken from the text of the novel. Each one is explained in terms of both the story and the greater context that surrounds the words used.

Take this quiz to see how well you know The Handmaid's Tale. These ten questions are a blend of different formats. You will find them difficult unless you have read the novel. Best of luck.

Take this quiz to see how well you know The Handmaid's Tale. These ten questions are a blend of different formats. You will find them difficult unless you have read the novel.