The main character of 'The Handmaid's Tale,' Offred, seems to spend the majority of this passage describing what she sees but not how she sees it. Offred, who has yet to reveal her former name, is a handmaid in the house of the Commander. Since Serena Joy, his wife, can not become pregnant, it is Offred's job to bear a child for the Commander. As a result, Serena views it as her job to make Offred's life miserable. Although Offred continually notes that she is one of the lucky ones, her unhappiness shines through her attempts at ignoring her emotions. Offred is very convincing as a character in her situation, in part because she has developed a lack of emotion to cope with the trauma. The author seems to be sending home the message that the world will become a very scary place if everybody just ignores their emotions.
Offred often dreams of her husband Luke, and the life they had together, which included a daughter. The author seems to indicate that she may be able to see them again in the future, in part because as far as Offred knows, they are still alive. Nick, the chauffeur, serves as a symbol of temptation for Offred, because he constantly flirts and offers himself to her. Offred occasionally mentions her friend Moira, who the author seems to use as an example of what would happen to Offred if she fought back. From the handmaid's perspective, the system is unbeatable, and there is nothing she can do to save herself. However, the book foreshadows that Offred may soon find a way to escape. This foreshadowing presented itself during her conversation with Nick, when it became apparent that certain rules could be broken.
This entire portion of the passage introduces the reader to Offred's daily life before the world was changed and after the world was changed. She is extremely nostalgic for the past and prefers not to think of her present situation. The author seems to be trying to reach out to an audience who is unhappy with where they are right now, and tell them that eventually their situation will improve if they do something about it.
1/1 for 3/5/12--remember to include author, publication year, and page numbers with your entry.
ReplyDeleteThat distinction about what she sees but not how she sees it is important. As the book progresses, you may discover more of how she sees things through the contrast of what her life was and how it is now and through the new events that will unfold before her/you.
Happy reading--