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1. (a) Describe Offred's life before the Republic of Gilead was established - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2019
Question 1
1. (a) Describe Offred's life before the Republic of Gilead was established. (b) Identify one challenge Offred faces when she becomes a handmaid and explain how sh... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. (a) Describe Offred's life before the Republic of Gilead was established - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2019
Step 1
Describe Offred's life before the Republic of Gilead was established.
Answer
Before the establishment of the Republic of Gilead, Offred lived a relatively normal life. She was married to Luke, and they shared a daughter. Offred had a rocky relationship with her radical feminist mother, but she also enjoyed freedoms that were common in pre-Gilead society. She attended school, had a job, and was financially independent, having her own money. She indulged in hobbies such as visiting galleries and museums, smoking, and gardening, which contributed to a sense of personal autonomy and normalcy.
Step 2
Identify one challenge Offred faces when she becomes a handmaid and explain how she responds to this challenge.
Answer
One significant challenge Offred faces as a handmaid is the loss of her personal identity and autonomy. She struggles with her new role, lacking the freedom she once had. To cope, Offred attempts to maintain her psychological independence by reminiscing about her past life and the relationships she had with her family and friends. She also engages in small acts of rebellion, such as secretly forming a bond with the household's chauffeur, Nick, and reflecting on her memories to keep her spirit alive.
Step 3
Explain the main reason why you do or do not agree that the “Historical Notes” are an effective way to end the novel, The Handmaid's Tale.
Answer
I agree that the 'Historical Notes' are an effective way to end the novel because they provide a meta-narrative that encourages critical reflection on the events in Gilead. The 'Historical Notes' serve to create a sense of distance from the narrative, prompting readers to engage with the broader implications of Offred's story. They also emphasize the historical and sociopolitical context surrounding the events of the novel, showing that what transpired in Gilead is not isolated but part of a larger continuum of history and power.
Step 4
Based on events in the novel, The Handmaid's Tale, write a front-page newspaper article beginning with the following headline: “AUNT ASSAULTED AS WOMAN ESCAPES FROM RED CENTRE.”
Answer
In a shocking incident at the Rachel and Leah Center, a handmaid named Moira has bravely escaped from confinement, resulting in the assault of an Aunt tasked with maintaining order among the handmaids. Witnesses report that Moira, attempting to flee, encountered Aunt Elizabeth, whom she reportedly threatened with a weapon during the escape. This incident raises significant questions about the treatment of women in Gilead and the lengths to which handmaids will go to reclaim their freedom.
Step 5
Write a piece in which you compare how Offred and Moira deal with life in the Republic of Gilead.
Answer
Offred and Moira represent contrasting responses to life in Gilead. Offred, initially passive, often reminisces about her past life and tries to maintain hope while slowly adapting to her helpless situation. In contrast, Moira embodies rebellion and defiance, acting out against the oppressive regime whenever possible. While Offred finds solace in small acts of resistance, Moira's aggression towards authority exemplifies her refusal to accept subjugation. Their differing approaches highlight the spectrum of human responses to oppression.
Step 6
Identify two developments in the plot that contributed to your enjoyment of Atwood’s novel, The Handmaid's Tale.
Answer
Two significant plot developments that contributed to my enjoyment of The Handmaid's Tale are Offred's illicit relationship with Nick and Moira's escape from the Red Centre. The complexity of Offred's relationship with Nick adds layers of emotional depth and tension, embodying the human need for connection even in dire circumstances. Meanwhile, Moira's escape represents hope and resistance, serving as an inspiring contrast to Offred's struggles. Both developments enhance the narrative, illustrating the multifaceted nature of survival in a repressive society.