THT Blog #1-Pre-Reading The Handmaid's Tale: Exploring the Epigraphs (Primary Blog Entry only!) - There is a quick turnaround on this assignment as we start the Reading Schedule ASAP.

Margaret Atwood employs three epigraphs at the beginning of The Handmaid's Tale to establish the novel's tone. Based on the epigraphs provided, analyze how each epigraph contributes to an understanding of:

• The dystopian world of Gilead.
• The central thematic topics of power, control, and survival.
• The author's possible message about society.

Use evidence from the epigraphs to explain how they introduce some of the possible ideas explored in the novel. You should write at least one paragraph (80-100 words-ish) for each epigraph, clearly linking the quotation to your analysis.

Successful responses will cover:

• Interpreation and Understanding:
  • Clearly explain what the epigraph suggests about the themes in the novel.
  • Consider how Atwood might be using epigraphs to set the tone of the story (e.g., dystopian-speculative, satirical, critical).
• Evidence and Explanation:
  • Include specific references or quotes from the epigraphs to support your ideas.
  • Use literary terminology accurately (e.g., anachronistic, imperative, metaphor, satire) to enhance your analysis.
• Relevance to Context:
  • Consider the relevance of each epigraph to a speculative dystopian world and how it might reflect on real-world concerns.

Key Terms:
Anachronistic: Something that seems to belong to a different time period than the one it is portrayed in.
Imperative: A command or instruction given in the form of a sentence that starts with a verb.
Metaphor: A way of describing something by comparing or calling it something else, creating a vivid image or meaning.
Satire: A way of using humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock societal issues, individuals, or systems.

Epigraph #1
 “And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister*; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.
And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel; and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?
And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her.”  - Genesis 30:1-3

Epigraph #2
But as to myself, having been wearied out for many years with offering vain, idle, visionary thoughts, and at length utterly despairing of success, I fortunately fell upon this proposal....
-Jonathan Swift, A Modest Proposal
​
Epigraph #3
‘In the desert there is no sign that says, “Thou shalt not eat stones.”’ - Sufi Proverb

Primary Blog Expectations (respond to the prompt above): Minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. Please use the name you were assigned in class as your nom de plume and be sure to add a word count. Due by 11:59 pm Friday night, 1/30/2026!