The Handmaid's Tale Discussion Questions

[Clovis]

1. Several times throughout the novel, Offred feels a sense of hopelessness due to the world around her. Do you think that women may start to feel that way as a result of some of the policies that our government has signed into law in recent years?
2. How important is it for women that are a part of the #MeToo movement to have some allies?
3. How important is it for women (of all ages and backgrounds) to read this book? Do you think a woman with more conservative views would be able to benefit from reading this book just as much as a woman with more liberal views?
4. Is this a book that should/could be taught in high schools? Or is the subject matter “too serious” for teenagers to talk about?

[Cynthia]

1. I certainly do. Abortion first. Then marriage. Womens civil rights are being eroded.

3. I think every woman or young adult girl should read this book. I read it when it first came out and still can vividly remember the opening scene. It would be so easy to change a law one day, and put women,s rights away. Needing husband,s signature to get money from bank isn’t beyond possibility. Control over body. Freedom to raise children as she sees fit. No spouse automatic inheritance of assets. List goes on and on. We live in dangerous times.

4. Yes. High school girls surely are ready. And when boys make light of it, most girls today are ready to set them straight. It would provoke interesting classroom conversation.