Offred

• Who is the protagonist and narrator of the story?

  Offred
• Why is Offred's perspective important in the novel?

  It provides insight into her thoughts and memories
• What role do Handmaids have in the Republic of Gilead?

  To procreate for powerful families
• How does Offred subvert the patriarchal power structure?

  By finding small ways to resist oppression
• What does Offred's name signify?

  Female subservience and male dominance
• How does Offred's character evolve throughout the novel?

  From submissive to subversive
• What do Offred's memories juxtapose in the narrative?

  The happier times in her past with present oppression
• What does Offred acknowledge about her survival?

  She might have to lose part of herself
• What does the phrase "nolite te bastardes carborundorum" mean?

  Don't let the bastards grind you down
• How does Atwood use the color red in the novel?

  To symbolize menstrual blood and fertility
• What does Offred's name being "Of Fred" symbolize?

  Her subservience to her Commander
• How does Atwood portray the relationship between Offred and Serena Joy?

  As a business transaction with power dynamics
• What is the significance of the Red Centre in the novel?

  It serves as a place for indoctrination and resistance
• What does the color blue symbolize for the Wives in Gilead?

  Purity and serenity
• How does Offred's relationship with Nick demonstrate her resilience?

  It shows her sexual autonomy and power
• What does the Wall symbolize in the context of Gilead?

  The threat of violence and death for Handmaids
• What does Offred's internal monologue reveal about her character?

  Her understanding of survival and power dynamics
• How does Atwood use the game of Scrabble to develop Offred's character?

  It highlights her intelligence and manipulation
• What does Offred's enjoyment of Scrabble signify in her life?

  It represents a small act of rebellion
• What are the key characteristics of Offred's character?

  • Dynamic: Evolves from submissive to subversive
  • Intelligent: Adapts to her environment for survival
  • Resilient: Navigates power dynamics to endure
• What are the key moments in Offred's journey throughout the novel?

  1. The Red Centre: Indoctrination and resistance
  2. Offred’s New Posting: Stripped of rights
  3. Meeting Serena Joy: Power dynamics in relationships
  4. Shopping with Ofglen: Surveillance and distrust
  5. The Wall: Symbol of violence and oppression
  6. The Ceremony: Dehumanizing sexual ritual
  7. Playing Scrabble: Indulgence and power shift
• What activity does Offred describe as indulgent and sensual?

  Playing Scrabble
• Why is playing Scrabble considered dangerous in Gilead?

  Women are forbidden from reading and writing
• What do the sensory words used in Scrabble reinforce?

  The indulgent nature of the game
• What does Offred's play of the word "zygote" signify?

  Her procreative role as a Handmaid
• How does the Scrabble game shift the relationship between Offred and the Commander?

  It shows trust and mutual benefit
• What does Offred recognize about her relationship with the Commander?

  She may use the shift to her advantage
• What does the idea of "exchange" in their relationship imply?

  It reflects a business transaction nature
• What does the Scrabble scene reveal about power dynamics in Gilead?

  Offred holds power within strict boundaries
• What does Ofglen ask Offred about the prayers printed at Soul Scrolls?

  If God listens to the prayers
• What does Offred feel when Ofglen asks her about God listening to prayers?

  She feels a mix of anger and disbelief
• What does the interaction between Offred and Ofglen signify in Gilead?

  People can still form alliances despite oppression
• How does Atwood contrast hope and danger in the narrative?

  By juxtaposing allyship with violence
• What is the name of the resistance revealed by Ofglen?

  Mayday
• What are the multiple meanings of "Mayday" in this context?

  A cry for help and a rallying cry
• What does Offred recall about losing her job in the pre-Gilead era?

  Her bank accounts were frozen
• What does Offred's loss of her job signify in the context of Gilead?

  The gradual erosion of women's rights
• How does Atwood illustrate the potential for an oppressive society to emerge?

  Through gradual erosion of freedoms
• What are Prayvaganzas in Gilead?

  Mass public prayer events segregated by gender
• What is the purpose of women's Prayvaganzas?

  To celebrate arranged marriages