The Handmaid's Tale - Religion & Control
English
Year 9
10 questions
~20 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
A worksheet designed for Year 9 students analysing themes of religion and control in The Handmaid's Tale. Includes exam-style questions encouraging close reading and analysis of literary techniques.
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The Handmaid's Tale - Religion & Control
Subject: EnglishGrade: Year 9
Name:
Date:
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade Year 9
A
Scene Summary and Context
In Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, the narrative is set in the dystopian society of Gilead, where religious doctrine is enforced through authoritarian control. The novel explores how religious rhetoric is used to justify subjugation, particularly of women. The protagonist, Offred, navigates a world where her autonomy is restricted by strict social codes rooted in religious fanaticism. A key scene depicts Offred reflecting on her loss of freedom, with phrases like 'commandments' and 'divine law' illustrating the ideological enforcement. This environment demonstrates the manipulation of religious faith to sustain political power, leading to widespread conformity and repression. Students will examine how Atwood employs language and symbolism to critique the abuse of religion for control, fostering a deeper understanding of the novel’s themes and techniques.
1.
Identify one phrase from the content that highlights the use of religious language to justify control.
[2 marks]2.
Explain in your own words how religion is used as a tool to enforce control in Gilead.
[3 marks]3.
Describe how the phrase 'divine law' functions as a symbol within the society of Gilead.
[3 marks]4.
Analyze how Atwood’s use of language in the scene reflects the theme of control.
5.
Identify and explain the effect of any metaphor used in the scene summary.
[2 marks]6.
How does the context provided help you understand the character’s perspective on religion?
[2 marks]7.
What is the significance of the phrase 'moral authority' in the context of the society described?
[2 marks]8.
In your opinion, what is the most effective literary technique Atwood uses in this context to critique religion and control?
[3 marks]B
Creative Writing Task
Imagine you are a character in Gilead who is questioning the use of religion for control. Write a speech or monologue expressing your doubts and hopes for change.
1.
Write a speech or monologue (about 25 lines) expressing doubts about the use of religion for control and hopes for personal or societal change.
2.
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Details
- Created
- 12/31/2025
- Updated
- 12/31/2025
- Type
- worksheet