In successfully completing both parts of this assignment, you will use analytical skills to explain and substantiate a short written analysis of The Handmaid’s Tale for the purpose of 1) developing and supporting your literary interpretation and 2) identifying and analyzing one or more social structures within the United States on which you will further reflect with regard to your role as a democratic citizen in a global environment.
1. Close reading is using a specific set of reading tactics and strategies to create thoughtful, critical analysis of a text. A close reading focuses on significant details or patterns in the text in order to develop a deep, precise understanding of the text’s form, craft, and/or meanings. Close reading should leave you considering thought-provoking messages that go beyond the text to include other texts, events, and ideas.
You will perform a close reading (3 pages) for the purpose of identifying and analyzing one or more cultural or social structures within the United States treated by the novel(s) The Handmaid’s Tale and/or The Testaments. What observations do Atwood and/or her characters make about American culture?
2. You will then expand that close reading into an ethical reasoning reflection (3 more pages). Personal reflection on your learning experiences (e.g., reading, discussion, listening to lectures, and engaging in learning activities) is an important way to transform your experiences into actual, long-term learning. Reflection is a process of learning to think in ways that are more complex.
After you complete your close reading, you will review and evaluate your learning by reflecting on what Attwood has taught you about your responsibilities (focus on 2-3 different responsibilities) as a democratic citizen in the United States. Use ethical reasoning to make a judgment about some aspect of the culture or structure of the United States. What does Attwood think we should do about the issue? What do you think should be done? Make a normative claim about the problem or issue you identify. What should be done to address the problem? What can we do to make it better or “fix” it? Cite her novels, when appropriate, as support. The reflection section should be 3 pages.
