Rebellion

• What role does religion play in The Handmaid’s Tale?

  It plays a huge role in society.
• What type of government replaces the U.S. government in The Handmaid’s Tale?

  A totalitarian patriarchal theocracy.
• What is the name of the new society in The Handmaid’s Tale?

  The Republic of Gilead.
• How does Gilead distort Christian values?

  It uses them to promote women's oppression.
• How does Atwood criticize the use of religion in The Handmaid’s Tale?

  Through religious symbolism and allusions.
• What do people in power use from the Bible in Gilead?

  Certain passages to justify their actions.
• When was The Handmaid’s Tale first published?

  In 1985.
• Who was president when The Handmaid’s Tale was published?

  Ronald Reagan.
• What political group gained power during Reagan's presidency?

  The Christian right.
• What did the Christian right emphasize during Reagan's presidency?

  A return to traditional family values.
• What was the Moral Majority?

  A political organization founded in 1979.
• Who founded the Moral Majority?

  Jerry Falwell.
• What did the Moral Majority promote?

  Religious fundamentalism and conservative values.
• How did the Moral Majority view modern lifestyles?

  As self-indulgent and sinful.
• What issues did the Moral Majority oppose?

  Abortion, gay rights, and pornography.
• What did the Moral Majority support?

  Prayer in public schools and creationism.
• When was the Moral Majority disbanded?

  In 1989.
• What is Atwood's personal belief regarding religion?

  She identifies as a strict agnostic.
• What does Atwood believe about religion's influence?

  It can be positive but also corrupted.
• What is the purpose of The Handmaid’s Tale according to Atwood?

  To serve as a cautionary tale.
• When was the TV adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale released?

  In 2017.
• What similarities exist between Trump and Reagan regarding support?

  Both gained support from religious conservatives.
• What does the adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale suggest about Atwood's world?

  It reflects concerns in the present.
• What are the biblical allusions in The Handmaid’s Tale related to character names?

  • Offred: Represents a religious offering.
  • Moira: Derived from "rebellious," symbolizes resistance.
  • Luke: Parallels the rise of Christianity.
  • Aunt Elizabeth: Highlights childbirth and fertility.
  • Aunt Lydia: Distorts religion for indoctrination.
  • Marthas: Represents domestic servitude.
  • Sons of Jacob: Founders of Gilead, divine patriarchs.
  • Handmaids: Reflects the biblical narrative of surrogacy.
• What does Offred's name imply in The Handmaid’s Tale?

  It suggests she is a religious offering.
• How does Moira's character relate to biblical figures?

  She embodies rebellion against patriarchal norms.
• What does Luke's character symbolize in The Handmaid’s Tale?

  Parallels the rise of Christianity and Gilead.
• What does Aunt Elizabeth's character highlight in the novel?

  Childbirth and fertility themes.
• How does Aunt Lydia's character illustrate the distortion of religion?

  She misquotes the Bible to indoctrinate Handmaids.
• What role do the Marthas play in The Handmaid’s Tale?

  They are domestic servants responsible for housekeeping.
• What do the Sons of Jacob represent in Gilead?

  Divine patriarchs destined to rule.
• How does the concept of Handmaids relate to the Bible?

  It reflects the narrative of surrogacy in Genesis.
• What is the ironic use of angels in The Handmaid’s Tale?

  They represent protectors but serve oppression.
• What does the term "Angels" refer to in Gilead?

  They are protectors in the society.
• What are the key themes related to religion in The Handmaid’s Tale?

  • Use of religion to justify oppression
  • Distortion of Christian values
  • Religious symbolism and allusions
  • Critique of the religious right
  • Cautionary tale about political power
• What is the foundation of Gilead's oppressive society?

  The Bible's narrative of Rachel and Bilhah
• How does Rachel's suggestion to Jacob relate to Gilead?

  It justifies Handmaids bearing children
• Which Bible verse is frequently referenced in The Handmaid's Tale?

  Genesis 30:1-3
• Why does Atwood repeat the Bible verse in the novel?

  To emphasize its importance to Gilead
• What does the term "Angels" signify in The Handmaid's Tale?

  They uphold Gilead's oppressive regime