The Handmaid’s Tale
Critical Thinking Questions for Chapters 1&2
Review the epigraphs at the beginning of the book. Why did Atwood choose these quotations to open the story? What do they suggest the book will be about?

What is the tone of the opening chapters? How does Atwood establish this tone?

Skim over chapters one and two. What similarities do you see in theme, character and detail between The Handmaid’s Tale and 1984?