Events represented in Atwood’s novel are real things that have happened within western Christian society. Working individually or with a partner, find information on one of the assigned topics and answer the questions below on poster paper . Best poster wins.
v1: Birth control policies (i.e. Ceausescu) + Sterilization of women (i.e. United States V. Native American women) v2: Sanctioned hangings/tearing apart of human beings (i.e. Dismemberment & Iran) + Legal caste systems v3: Preventing literacy (women and slaves) Denial of property rights
Answer the following: 1. Where it happened. 2. When it happened. 3. Why it happened (reason). 4. What were the effects? 5. What power/influence pushed these policies (i.e. religion, politics, etc.)? 6. Does it still go on anywhere in the world? 7. Is it too unrealistic to happen today? In America? 8. An image that represents your topic.
Essay:
"The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood is a rich and thought-provoking novel that lends itself to various essay topics exploring its themes, characters, and societal commentary. Here are some essay topics you can consider:
The Role of Women in Gilead: Analyze the subjugation of women in Gilead and how their roles are defined by society. Discuss the significance of the Handmaids, Aunts, Marthas, and Wives in this context.
The Power of Language: Explore the theme of language in the novel. Discuss how language is used as a tool of control, resistance, and identity. Analyze the importance of forbidden words and phrases.
Dystopian Elements: Examine the dystopian elements present in Gilead. How does the society portrayed in the novel compare to other dystopian works, and what makes it unique?
Rebellion and Resistance: Discuss the ways in which characters in the novel resist the oppressive regime. Explore the different forms of resistance, from small acts of defiance to more significant rebellions.
The Psychological Impact of Oppression: Analyze the psychological effects of living in a totalitarian regime. Explore how characters like Offred, Ofglen, and the Commander are affected by the society they live in.
Religion and Control: Discuss the role of religion in the establishment and maintenance of power in Gilead. How is religion used as a tool for control, and what are the consequences of this manipulation?
The Significance of Names: Explore the significance of names and the use of pseudonyms in the novel. Discuss how characters' names or lack of names reflect their identities and the power dynamics at play.
The Historical Context: Consider the historical events and societal trends that influenced the creation of Gilead. How does the novel reflect and comment on issues of its time, such as feminism, reproductive rights, and religious extremism?
The Role of Men: Analyze the role of men in Gilead and how they are both oppressors and victims of the regime. Discuss the complexities of characters like the Commander, Nick, and the Eyes.
Narrative Structure: Examine the narrative structure of the novel, including the use of first-person narration and the framing of the story. How does the narrative style contribute to the reader's understanding of the characters and themes?
Feminism and Gender Roles: Discuss the feminist themes in "The Handmaid's Tale" and how the novel explores traditional gender roles, women's agency, and the fight for equality.
Hope and Despair: Analyze the theme of hope and its counterpart, despair, in the novel. How do characters find hope or lose it in the face of oppression? What keeps them going?
The Ending and Its Interpretations: Discuss the ambiguous ending of the novel. What do you believe happens to Offred, and why? Explore the different possible interpretations.
Comparative Analysis: Compare and contrast "The Handmaid's Tale" with other dystopian novels or works of speculative fiction. What common themes and differences do you find?
Contemporary Relevance: Examine the novel's relevance in today's society. Are there parallels between the world of Gilead and contemporary issues? Discuss the lessons that can be drawn from the story.
These essay topics should provide a starting point for in-depth analysis and discussion of "The Handmaid's Tale." You can choose one that aligns with your interests and perspective to craft a compelling essay.