1. What do you feel about arranged marriages?
Do you think arranged marriages are more likely to result in successful partnerships or divorce? Why do you think so?
Arranged Marriage Statistics Sources: UNICEF, Human Rights Council, ABC News 4/17/15
What do you know/feel about arranged marriages?
Analyze the statistics presented below.
Do you think arranged marriages are more likely to result in successful partnerships or divorce? Why do you think so?
Arranged Marriage Statistics
Data
Average divorce rate globally on arranged marriages
4.2 %
India divorce rate
1.2 %
Global divorce rate for arranged marriages
6.3 %
Average number of years older the male is from the female in an arrange marriage
4.5 years
Percent of marriages in India that are arranged
89 %
Percent of marriages in the world that are arranged
54 %
Percent of U.S. men between the age of 40 and 50 who have never been married
14 %
Percent of U.S. women between the age of 40 and 50 who have never been married
10 %
Percent of girls who were forced to marry before a certain age
Percent
South Asia before age 18
46.4 %
Bangladesh before age 15
27.3 %
Africa before age 18
42 %
Niger before age 15
26 %
Kyrgyzstan before age 18
21.2 %
Kazakhstan before age 18
14.4 %

2. Ch 31-35 Discussion Questions
What is the Women’s Prayvaganza for? How does Atwood create a particular atmosphere during this scene?
The commander notes that “Better never means better for everyone” … and “It always means worse, for some.” (222)
Who are things better for in this novel? Worse? Why? Analyze many characters/castes.
How has Atwood revealed the commander to readers? Who is he, really?
What is the impact of Janine’s loss on Janine and the other women?
Discuss Atwood’s use of flashbacks in recent chapters.
Analyze the significance of the picture Serena offers.
How do you imagine Serena Joy's offer affects Offred? Is Serena helping or hurting Offred? Nick? Herself? The Commander?

3. Read and annotate chapter 36-40 for Monday’s class
Homework
Read and annotate chapter for Monday’s class