The Handmaid's Tale

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussions of sexual violence and/or harassment, gender discrimination, misogyny, pregnancy, emotional abuse, religious discrimination, and sexual content.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did Offred's style of narration, with its mix of present-day observations and memories, affect your reading experience? Is this fragmented approach effective in conveying her state of mind? Why or why not?

2. What were your initial reactions to Gilead’s systematic obliteration of women's rights? How does Atwood’s novel compare to other dystopian works that explore similar themes, such as George Orwell's 1984 or Aldous Huxley's Brave New World?

3. How does the inclusion of the "Historical Notes" epilogue change your understanding of Offred's story? Does this academic discussion of her narrative feel jarring or illuminating?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Throughout the novel, Offred struggles with various forms of complicity in her own oppression. Have you ever found yourself making compromises or accepting problematic or oppressive situations for the sake of survival or comfort?