Paper 2: Medea and The Handmaid’s Tale

In what ways have at least two of your writers explored the role of the individual within society and what conclusions might be drawn from these explorations? In Medea, the eponymous protagonist is introduced to hold a multitude of different roles in society, whether...

Medea: Fifth Episode and Exodus

Within the fifth episode, Medea demonstrates an indecision in her actions as she is torn between her vengeance and her children. Here, she unveils her previously hidden love for her children, and demonstrates a human aspect of her character. Whereas before in the...

Medea: First Episode to Second Stasimon

Within the first episode, Medea beseeches Creon to, at the very least, to give her one day prior to her exile. She emphasises her own powerlessness through self-depreciation: Medea rhetorically questions the possibility of “some harm [she] might do to...

Medea – Prologue and Parados

Through the Nurse’s prologue, we are provided with Medea’s background and current emotional status. We learn of her distress, and the prior events that lead up to her current circumstance; how her own betrayal of her homeland and family as a sacrifice of...

The Handmaid’s Tale: a critique or a work of feminism?

Is Atwood’s novel ultimately a feminist work of literature, or does it offer a critique of feminism? Ultimately, while elements of a feminist work of literature are a clear influence through The Handmaid’s Tale, Atwood’s novel equally offers a critique of...

Project Week – Planning

One of the most important skills I learnt throughout the Project Week process was the complexity and many specifications required to be considered for planning a trip. To gain approval for our trip, we had to fill in a long document which would detail practically...

Project Week – Communication

As we moved our focus from discussion to more specific details about our trip, it was required to effectively communicate not only within our group but also with our supervisor and our activity partners. Personally, as I was the designated communications officer for...

Project Week – Initial Stages

In the initial phase of our Project Week endeavours, one learning objective that was particularly prevalent throughout was learning objective 5, demonstrating and recognising the skills and benefits of working collaboratively. By adequately allocating workload and...

The Symbolic Power of Names

Within The Handmaid’s Tale, one crucial aspect of the repressive regime is the marginalisation of women and the practical extermination of their identity. In particular, to the extent of which even their names are banned. By doing this, Atwood unveils how every...

A Repressive Atmosphere: The Handmaid’s Tale

In chapters 1-6 of The Handmaid’s Tale, a repressive atmosphere is created dually through constant reminiscence and subtle assertions of power. By repeatedly referring to the former state of landmarks or setting through her own memory, Atwood creates contrast...