The Handmaid's Tale (MAXNotes Literature Guides) [Paperback]

Malcolm Foster (Author), English Literature Study Guides (Author)

Book Description

Series: MAXnotes Literature Guides | Publication Date: April 16, 1999

MAXnotes offer a fresh look at masterpieces of literature, presented in a lively and interesting fashion. Written by literary experts who currently teach the subject, MAXnotes will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the work. MAXnotes are designed to stimulate independent thought about the literary work by raising various issues and thought-provoking ideas and questions. MAXnotes cover the essentials of what one should know about each work, including an overall summary, character lists, an explanation and discussion of the plot, the work's historical context, illustrations to convey the mood of the work, and a biography of the author. Each chapter is individually summarized and analyzed, and has study questions and answers.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

REA’s MAXnotes is an insightful series of literature study guides covering over 80 of the most popular literary works.

MAXnotes study guides are student friendly and provide all the essentials needed to prepare students for homework, discussions, reports, and exams.

Our MAXnotes for Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale study guide includes an overall summary, character lists, explanation and discussion of the plot, overview of the work’s historical context, and a biography of the author. Each section of the work is individually summarized and includes study questions and answers.

Our Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale MAXnotes study guide is a handy resource when preparing for exams or doing homework, and it makes a great companion to the original work.

The Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale MAXnotes is also an invaluable resource for English teachers who are teaching the original work and need a refresher. Each MAXnotes includes topics for term papers with sample outlines.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Research & Education Association; MAXnotes edition (April 16, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878912320
• ISBN-13: 978-0878912322
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #495,259 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > General

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars chilling, compelling, unforgetable, July 17, 2000

By 

Sarah Martinez (Fort Worth, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Handmaid's Tale (MAXNotes Literature Guides) (Paperback)

This book absolutely must be devoured. It is a tale so moving and compelling you feel driven to complete it. Move over Orwell's "1984." You become even more engrossed in this story. The reality of it takes over your own. The eventual outcome of our heroine is never revealed, although the epilogue offers tantilizing clues that keep your mind speculating long after completing the novel. Superb!

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping, October 17, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Handmaid's Tale (MAXNotes Literature Guides) (Paperback)

I absolutely loved this book. Margaret Atwood is one of my favorite authors, and I have read most of her books. The Handmaid's Tale is definetly my favorite. The sympathy you feel for the main character is so real, and you'll find that you can't put the book down. I am 16, and I read it in 2 nights. Not much sleep! It is an excellent example of how books should be written. Margaret Atwood is in my opinion one of the most talented writers of all time.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, yet thouroghly depressing, April 7, 2000

By 

"wearesilhouettes" (Austin, Tx) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Handmaid's Tale (MAXNotes Literature Guides) (Paperback)

I had to read this for school. When ever you have to do that, you automatically assume that the book will be... boring? Well, i coulnt NOT stop reading. The way Atwood describes the innermost thoughts of the main character is facinating. The story line, and the settign though, is a bit depressing. Women are used practically for their ovaries, in an age of decling birth. It makes me mad that, (if you read) some women are treated so badly. This book makes you think, on the most part, but is VERy emotional. You will find you turning the pages constatnly, and Atwood keeps you on your toes.