Hermann-Vöchting-Gymnasium, Blomberg

In groups of 4 - 5 do one of the following tasks on

Preparation for the Ceremony

1. At the doctor's (ch. 11, pp. 65 - 67)
   Summarize the events in the doctor's office.
   Explain and discuss the different emotions this particular visit to the doctor's arouses in Offred. (Consider also p. 66, ll.20f.)
   To what extent do you think this visit is an ordeal for the narrator?
2. Bath and supper (ch. 12, pp. 68 - 72)
   Put the different items of information about Offred and her life in order according to past and present experiences.
   Explain to what extent this chapter can be said to point out some of the ordeals of a Handmaid's life.
3. Nap (ch. 13, p. 75, l.1 - p. 76, l.10 and p. 79, l. 56 - p. 81)
   Explain what kind of thoughts the narrator has before falling asleep (pp. 75, 79 - 80) and discuss why she has these thoughts in her present situation.
   Explain her dreams or nightmares during her nap and discuss why she is troubled by these dreams on this occasion.
   Discuss to what extent "feeling like a prize pig" (p. 75, l. 15) constitutes one of the ordeals of a Handmaid's life.
4. Moira and Janine at the Training Center (ch. 13, p. 76, l.11 - p. 79, l.55)
   Sum up the events the narrator remembers about her training as a Handmaid.
   Explain the possible function of these memories in the given situation immediately before the Ceremony.
5. In the sitting room (ch. 14, pp. 85 - 92)
   Describe the "pre-Ceremony" mood created by the narrator's way of telling how the household gradually assembles in the sitting-room.
   Discuss the functions of the TV news in the context of this chapter.
   Explain the past events the narrator relates here and discuss why they might occur to her in her present situation.
   Comment on the narrator's reflection on names (p. 90, ll. 15 - 23) including the manner of her first mentioning of her Gilead name, "Offred" (l. 14).
6. The Commander has the word (ch. 15, pp. 93 - 99)
   Discuss Offred's reflections on the Commander before he starts reading.
   Explain the significance of the Bible extract read out in the present situation.
   Sum up the story of Moira's attempted escape from the Center and explain why it might have been included in this particular chapter.