The Handmaid's Tale - Literature Analysis
English
GCSE
8 questions
~16 mins
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A worksheet covering The Handmaid's Tale - Dystopia for GCSE students.
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The Handmaid's Tale - Literature Analysis
Subject: EnglishGrade: GCSE
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade GCSE
A
Introduction and Context
Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale is set in the Republic of Gilead, a theocratic and dystopian society that has replaced the United States. The story follows Offred, a Handmaid who is assigned to produce children for the ruling class. The novel explores themes of power, control, gender oppression, and the loss of personal freedom. In this society, women are categorised and stripped of their autonomy, serving roles defined by rigid religious doctrine. The narrative delves into the psychological and social effects of totalitarian rule. Notable phrases such as 'The Ceremony' encapsulate the oppressive rituals mandated by the regime. Atwood employs vivid imagery and symbolism to depict the bleakness of this future. The novel challenges readers to consider the importance of individual rights and the dangers of authoritarianism, making it a compelling study of dystopia.
1.
Summarise the setting and main themes of The Handmaid’s Tale as described in the context guide.
[2 marks]2.
Identify two phrases used in the summary that highlight the oppressive nature of Gilead.
[2 marks]B
Analyzing Literary Techniques
‘We slept in what had once been the gymnasium, now converted into a dormitory. The windows were covered with thick curtains, muffling any outside noise. The air was heavy, suffused with a sense of despair.’ — Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale. In this passage, Atwood employs vivid imagery to evoke a sense of confinement and bleakness. The phrase ‘the air was heavy, suffused with a sense of despair’ suggests an oppressive atmosphere that reflects the characters’ emotional states.
1.
Identify one literary technique used in the phrase ‘the air was heavy, suffused with a sense of despair’.
[1 mark]2.
Explain how this technique contributes to the overall mood of the scene.
[4 marks]C
Thematic Analysis
In Gilead, women are reduced to their reproductive functions, with their identities suppressed under strict religious and governmental control. The novel explores themes of gender oppression, conformity, and resistance. The ritualised 'Ceremony' exemplifies the systemic subjugation, where Offred’s personal autonomy is entirely stripped away, highlighting the loss of individual freedom.
1.
What is the significance of the 'Ceremony' in the context of the novel’s themes?
[2 marks]2.
Describe how Atwood uses symbolism to depict the loss of personal freedom.
[4 marks]D
Exam-Style Analysis Question
Answer the following in detail.
1.
Write an essay analysing Atwood’s use of imagery and symbolism in conveying the oppressive atmosphere of Gilead.
[15 marks]E
Creative Writing Task
Imagine you are in Gilead and are experiencing the oppressive environment firsthand.
1.
Write a diary entry (around 200 words) describing your feelings and experiences in Gilead, emphasising sensory details and personal emotions.
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Details
- Created
- 12/31/2025
- Updated
- 12/31/2025
- Type
- worksheet