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Summary Handmaids Tale revision notes

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Sets of in depth, detailed revision notes analysing the language, context, structure, form, themes and characters in 'The Handmaids Tale'. Suitable specifically for AQA A-level English Lang and Lit. Includes pictures, colour coding, summaries, tasks, key quotes and so much more.

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A02 – Idea, point, meaning, themes. 10m
A01 – Language devices suited to PROSE fiction. Coherent written expression.
10m
- The extract is specifically juicy.
- Need a range of terminology!
-
A03 – Wider context of production + reception. 15m


2+1=3
2. Specific idea about theme + link.
1. How Attwood depicts this theme?
3. Why Attwood depicts this theme?


Application + improvement
Feb mock paper – character’s reactions to rule-breaking
As women, there’s a sense of unknowing of how to react, due to the lack of
ultimate control, so this affects Offred more, is weaker in society, inferior to the
punishment of death. Different reactions for different reasons. Collective
language “we are cronies”.
Offred’s reaction: timid, submissive, she’s afraid of SJ’s power because of the
hierarchy of Gilead too, no choice but to obey.
“collusion of a sort, betrayal of a sort” = anaphora. Whilst is torn, she
understands serena’s desperation and power, a non-explicit betrayal makes it
more frustrating for her, she is “careful not to let my irritation show”, whilst
Serena speaks with an “affable” “tone” and “soft” “voice”. Whilst she compares
the two sides of the situation, she also frames the situation differently to comfort
her = “it could be a date we’re discussing”, trying to see the positives for herself,
as her form of protest against unfairness = narcissism. Whilst serena is
narcissistic, she protests practically, actually engaging with the “black-market”,
for instance, which Offred frames to be her “errands”, casual for serena, whilst
impossible for Offred. Serena makes it possible for Offred though, as a handmaid
she can’t even rule break for herself.


SJ: Careless, manipulates the situation, exercises her power, masculinity, phallic
symbol of cigarette. Irony of a dystopia and flawed system = Desperation to
have a baby has left her to rule break, you can’t be right in society.
Careless = “her tone almost affable now, though distanced”. Modal verb =
“almost”, adjective = “affable”, comment on sound, “now”  “distanced” = mix
of tenses. She is both bored and comfortable as a wife, envies Offred in some
way.

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June 24, 2025
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