Journal Entries for The Handmaid’s Tale
Write five reading journal entries over The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Each entry
will be no less than one and no more than two pages each, typed in MLA format (single spaced)
in 12 point, Arial or Times New Roman font. Each entry needs a thesis statement , textual
evidence, and commentary.
Entry 1: Symbolism. Choose one recurring symbol from the novel and discuss, in detail, what
it represents and its significance to the work as a whole. Evidence must come from at least two
different places in the novel.
Entry 2: Passage Analysis: Choose a passage that you believe strongly relates to the theme,
and retype it or make a copy of it to staple to your response. Explain the context of the passage
(what is happening immediately before and after it). Formulate a theme statement, and explain,
using textual evidence, why the passage is so important to theme. Be sure to discuss how the
passage relates to an earlier or later event or section in the work.
Entry 3: Character analysis. Choose any character from the novel to analyze. Explain briefly
who the character is, the character’s experience of the events, his or her multiple relationships in
the novel, and why the character is important to the reader’s experience of the work as a whole.
Entry 4: Research an article by Atwood. Choose something written by the author either about
this particular novel, writing in general, or her views on any political or social issues. Analyze
how your particular article sheds light on The Handmaid’s Tale and how it can inform your
understanding of the novel.
Entry 5: Historical Notes. Choose a passage from the Historical Notes at the end of the novel
that you feel exemplifies a particular theme, motif, or idea that runs throughout the work.
Demonstrate how Atwood resolves, comments upon, or negates your theme in the Historical
Notes and analyze the purpose of ending the novel with this section.