9.1.17

Chapters 33 & 34

Test yourself

Chapter 33 - Key Quotations

Here are three key quotations from Chapter 33:

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Key quotations

  • "The Prayvaganza"
    • Prayer + ‘extravaganza' → this implies that prayer is an important part of this ceremony. In the next chapter, we learn that this ceremony is actually a mass wedding, similar to those organised in the 20th century by ‘Moonie' leader Sun Myung Moon. Thousands of people would be married in these ceremonies.
  • "God is a National Resource"
    • Implies God is on Gilead's side and Gilead practically controls him.
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Key quotations (cont.)

  • "Kneeling … on the cement floor"
    • Reflects their Handmaid's subservient position in Gilead.

Chapter 34 - Key Quotations

Here are six quotations from Chapter 34:

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Key quotations

  • "Hard not to be impressed, but I make an effort"
    • Offred tries to keep her mental freedom. She resists giving in to the regime by mocking it in her head.
  • There is a Balm in Gilead"
    • Traditional hymn, referencing Christ's power to heal.
  • "There is a bomb in Gilead"
    • Moira mocks the violence the Gilead forces use for control by punning this phrase.
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Key quotations (cont.)

  • "What did we overlook? Love, I said"
    • Atwood's prime message: humans need love for their well-being.
  • "Just don't move"
    • Women are not meant to enjoy sex in Gilead.
  • "Something powerful in the whispering of obscenities"
    • Taboo language is powerful because is shocks. Moira is right to suggest that language can be used to undermine those in power.

Jump to other topics

1Author Background

1.1Margaret Atwood

2Chapter Summaries

3Dedications & Epigraph

3.1Dedications & Epigraph

4Context

5Narrative Structure & Literary Techniques

6Themes & Imagery

7Characters

8Readings

8.1Readings of The Handmaid's Tale

9Recap: Main Quotes

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