Analyze Religion in Handmaid's Tale

I need an MLA-formatted essay on the role of religion in "The Handmaid's Tale."

Key points to cover:
- Focus on biblical references: exploration of their manipulation.
- Specific examples from the novel: impact of scripture manipulation.
- Thematic emphasis: dangers of religious extremism.

Ideal skills and experience:
- Strong literary analysis
- Familiarity with "The Handmaid's Tale"
- Proficiency in MLA formatting
- Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly

Do not rely on the
Internet or other sources for additional information, as this is not a research essay. The
exception is if you choose one of the essay options connected to Adichie’s “The Danger of a
Singer Story” TED Talk. Your essay should highlight your ideas about the novel based on your
close reading, careful analysis, and critical thinking. Note that there is a series and a film based
on the novel, but both are radically different and will not suffice as substitutes for actively
reading and thinking about the novel.
Engaging, original title (not simply the title of the novel);
• Clear, firm, approved thesis statement located at or near the end of your engaging/orienting
introduction;
• Solid essay structure: introduction, body, and conclusion; especially avoid the five-paragraph
essay: write beyond this, even if you use a three-point, focused thesis statement;
• Well-developed, unified, coherent body paragraphs;
• Appropriate use of fiction vocabulary: plot, setting, characterization, symbolism, etc. Your
essay should demonstrate your solid understanding/application of at least one fiction
element: see related Elements of Fiction Lecture Notes;
• Ample supporting evidence (direct quotes, examples/details, explanation/reasoning). Note:
direct quotes should constitute approximately 15-20% of your essay; strive for two
supporting quotes per body paragraph. Your ideas and opinions are primary; quotes
should play a secondary, supporting role. Also, especially avoid unnecessary plot summary:
assume your audience has already read the novel, so there is no need to retell the plot;
• Demonstration that you have actively read the entire novel. This means you want to avoid
focusing on just one section of the novel. You also want to make sure you include at least
some discussion of the novel’s resolution. Note that the “Historical Notes” section at the end
of the novel is actually part of the novel. Furthermore, you want to refer to all major
characters: Offred, Luke, Nick, The Commander, and Serena Joy.
• Accurate MLA documentation (signal phrases, direct quotations, and parenthetical citations)
plus a properly formatted Works Cited page. The Handmaid’s Tale and possibly “The
Danger of a Single Story” are the only sources you should use for this essay;
• Critical Thinking: essay demonstrates original perceptions, thoughtful, interesting comments,
and critical reading and thinking;
• Satisfying conclusion; not unnecessarily repetitive; does not include new information;
employ the framing technique by echoing or restating your engaging title;
• Style: clear, persuasive language and accurate grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
Nuñez and Raybould-Rodgers 1-26
• Third person viewpoint: he, she, characters’ names, etc. (avoid unnecessary 1st person “I”
and omit 2nd person “you”;
• Present verb tense (as is the convention when writing about literature).