Chapters 33 & 34
English Lit: Edexcel A Level The Handmaid's Tale, topic 9.1.17
Chapter 33 - Key Quotations
Here are three key quotations from Chapter 33:
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.
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:
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.
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.
Test yourself on Chapters 33 & 34
Complete the quotation:
"____ is a National Resource"What does this quotation reflect, concerning the Handmaids?
"Kneeling … on the cement floor"What is "God" said to be in Chapter 33?
What does Moira change the hymnal phrase "there is a Balm in Gilead" to?