handmaid's exam techniques

• “Gilead’s women are powerless because they are utterly divided and unsupportive of each other.”

  • such a broad, synoptic question, allowing you to explore different areas of revision

  • quotation gives you a specific springboard to then base the remainder of your question around

  • quotation aids with AO5

  • AO3 can be easily accessed by thinking of history of groups in rebellion

  • risk: maybe too broad, and without focus and the lack of a linear structure could = straying away from answering the question

vs

• “Examine the significance of Janine in the novel.”

  • you could have prepared and planned directly for this

  • historical notes could be mentioned

• “ ‘The Commander should be pitied. He is a victim of the Giladean system too.’ Examine this view of Atwood’s presentation of the Commander. “

  • still about one character ∴can focus

  • quotation broadens out the question » 2/3 about Commander but can also bring in other related characters

• “Examine the significance of rebellion in this novel”

  • could potentially do Moira, Nick, Offred’s Mother

    • chapter 4

    • chapter 17 - Offred n Nick » rebellion as an act of reclamation

    • second-wave feminism

• “Examine the significance of Moira in the novel.”

  • very AO2-able

  • prepped Moira essay plan = gold

• “Examine the view that the ‘Historical Notes’ section is a confusing and irrelevant addition to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ “

• “ ‘It is impossible to feel any sympathy for Serena Joy.’ Examine Atwood’s presentation of Serena Joy in the light of this view.”

  • can prep directly for Serena Joy

  • quote as a springboard

• “ ‘I made that up. It didn’t happen that way. Here is what happened. - storytelling question

• “Examine the significance of the role of Nick in the novel.”

  • can prep

  • direct quotes

• “ ‘Moira is recaptured. Ofglen disappears. Offred is arrested. In GIlead, resistance is always futile.’ Examine the significance of resistance in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’