The HandmaidÕs Tale

Chapters 25-26

 

 

  1. Why does Cora drop the breakfast tray?

  2. How often does Offred go to see the Commander in private?

 

  1. Why do the wives get sick?

 

  1. Why do you think the Commander gives Offred a present?

 

  1. Why does the Commander hesitate to get Offred the lotion?

 

  1. What does Offred begin to feel conscious of during the ceremony?

 

  1. How does the Commander almost give away his feelings for Offred during the ceremony?

 

  1. What does Aunt Lydia believe will be a result of the new order for women?

 

  1. Why is Offred happier with her new ÒrelationshipÓ with the Commander?

 

  1. Why does Offred think Serena Joy might be in agreement with the Commander seeing Offred in private?

 

 

Paraphrase the following quotes.

 

  1. Then we had the irises, rising beautiful and cool on their tall stalks, like blown glass, like pastel water momentarily frozen in a splash, light blue, light mauve, and the darker ones, velvet and purple, black catÕs ears in the sun, indigo shadow, and the bleeding hearts, so female in shape it was a surprise theyÕd not long since been rooted out.

 

  1. The willow is in full plumage and is no help, with its insinuating whispers.  Rendezvous, it says, terraces; the sibilants run up my spine, a shiver as if in fever.

 

  1. Winter is not so dangerous.  I need hardness, cold, rigidity; not this heaviness, as if IÕm a melon on a stem, this liquid ripeness.

 

  1. This state of absence, of existing apart from the body, had been true of the Commander too, I knew now.