The Handmaid's Tale Lesson Plan

Symposium for Gileadean Studies

Kind of Activity:

Group Discussion

Objective:

Students will be able to analyze the "Historical Notes" at the end of the text.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.4

Structure:

Read the “Historical Notes,” the last section of the book.

Ask your students to discuss the following questions as a full class:

• According to the “Historical Notes,” Offred's story was documented on cassette tapes after she escaped from Gilead. Does this change how you see the story, and her narration? If so, how?
• What is the tone of the speakers at the conference concerning Offred and Gilead?

Ask students to form small groups and discuss...