'The Handmaid's Tale'

Essays on 'The Handmaid's Tale'

This wiki page will be used to help you work on your essays for the 'The Handmaid's Tale'

In order to understand the novel 'The Handmaid's Tale' it is important that we explore the novel fully. To achieve this you will work in groups to look at specific aspects of the novel.

Your group will be assigned one of the following activities. You will have two weeks to come up with a presentation on the topic, and to upload the notes onto this wiki. You will be given some class time, but the expectation is that you will complete it as a homework assignment.

You will type in your findings here, but you may also provide links to resources such as word documents and powerpoints you have created. You may also add live links to relevant websites.

1. Gilead Hierarchy

Construct a hierarchy of the society of Gilead from the most powerful to the least powerful. Next to the positions, write the function of each and give a reason why they wear the colours that they do.

Group Members: Robert, Megan, Dean, Connie.

Provide your findings here:

heirarchyshrubbery.jpg 

2. Diary

The Commander keeps a diary. Write some entries that may appear during different points of Offred's stay.

Group Members: Alex, Jasmine, Lachlan, Amy.

Provide your findings here:

The Commander.doc 

3. Contextual Influences

 'The Handmaid's Tale' was published in 1985, complete some research to see what world events may have inspired Atwood to write this novel.

Group Members: Alastair, Brendon, Luke, Bethany.

Provide your findings here:

Context HMT.doc 

General Resources

Useful Links and Resources - feel free to add resources or links.

Gradesaver notes on 'The Handmaid's Tale' http://www.gradesaver.com/classicnotes/titles/handmaid/