The Handmaid's Tale

Sample Lesson - Introduction

Lesson 1.01: Welcome to Gilead

Storytelling. It allows us to do literally anything we want.

• Want to go on a whaling adventure? No problem.
• Interested in revisiting the South during the Civil Rights era? Hop on in.
• More into weird hellish dream-visions? You got it.

The cars aren't as cool in Atwood's world, either.
(Source)

But maybe the coolest thing storytelling can do is take us to alternate futures. That's right: literature can show us what we're up against.

Consider The Handmaid's Tale an experiment in this type of time-travel. No Dolorean required.

As we emerge into the future, we'll need to get our bearings. So in this lesson, we'll think about how Atwood reveals the setting and the rules of this new society. You'll get used to the customs—and even the fashions—of Gilead right alongside our narrator.

Buckle up, time-travelers, and welcome to The Handmaid's Tale.

Sample Lesson - Reading

Reading 1.1.01a: Chapters 1-5

Let's get started. Read Chapters 1-5 of The Handmaid's Tale.

It's a scary new world, so if you're feeling lost, head on over to our chapter summaries to get your bearings.

Sample Lesson - Reading

Reading 1.1.01b: Setting the Stage

In case you didn't catch it, we really want you thinking about the setting of The Handmaid's Tale­—right from the beginning.

So before you jump into the activity, take a look at our discussion of the setting.

Sample Lesson - Activity

Activity 1.01a: Travel Guide: Gilead

Think you'd choose Gilead for your next Spring Break destination?

Not so much, right? Well, despite the lack of beaches and the whole totalitarian regime thing, they somehow managed to get tourists.

In this activity, you'll be the guide who referred the tourists to Gilead in Chapter 5 by creating a travel brochure that prepares our guests for what they might find upon arrival. It'll probably be just as weird to them as it is to you, so you'll want to make sure your vacationers are prepared.

Before you get started, think about the following questions:

• How would the people of Gilead appear to visitors? Consider their clothing, mannerisms, and behavior. 
• How would Gilead itself appear to visitors? Consider the descriptions of setting.
• What customs should visitors observe? What are the rules of Gilead? What should visitors avoid doing, wearing, and so on if they want to fit in?

Once you're feeling good about those, get to brochuring.

You can make your brochure by hand or use ye olde computer—whatever floats your boat. We do have a few guidelines for you, though:

• Be sure to address each of the questions we posed above. 
• Include at least three images to illustrate the brochure. 
• Make sure it's visually appealing. The content needs to be accurate, but if it looks shabby, no one will believe it.

Bottom line: sell it. Even if you don't think Gilead's the place to be, you need to convince tourists it is.

When you're done, upload your shmancy brochure below.

Sample Lesson - Activity

Activity 1.01b: The Chaucer's Tale

Take a read through our discussion of the title of the book.

If you've ever heard of the Canterbury Tales, chances are the title rings a bell. While there's no Handmaid's Tale in Chaucer's famous collection, it fits the model for titling stories.

Here's what we want you do to:

Sample Lesson - Activity