Catherine's English Blog

In these chapters, Offred almost seems to reach a point of acceptance where she wants to stop thinking about her past life and begin adjusting to her new one. We also learn more about the Commander.  As Offred begins growing more comfortable with him, she also realizes she can manipulate him. The Commander is a bit of a confusing character. I’m not sure if he navigates off of guilt for Offred, his personal gain, or loneliness (maybe all three). After reading this far into the book, one thing I’ve also noticed is how Atwood gives us parts of past events as Offred begins adjusting to her new life. Atwood gives us small pieces of history so we can begin piecing them together and discovering different parts of Offred’s life. For example, in these chapters, we learn about how the government was overthrown and Offred’s experience throughout all of it.  What do you think about this developing relationship between Offred and the Commander?

These chapters of The Handmaid’s Tale revealed a lot more about Offred’s past life and the history of Gilead. One of the characters I’m the most interested in is Moira. Offred has tried looking for Moira on several occasions and in memories also describes Moira as slightly rebellious and very much the type to “seize the day”. My interest peaked at the end of chapter twenty-two when Offred describes Moira’s escape. I think these flashbacks Offred has are interesting because it gives more context about the past life Offred had, but it also serves as a way to keep Offred grounded and sane.  Who do you think is the most interesting character so far? And do you think Moira will make an appearance anytime soon? 

These first few chapters of The Handmaid’s Tale were honestly a bit confusing for me. From the flashbacks of Offred's past life to Offred trying to adjust to her new life, I wasn't always sure where Offred was and what she was thinking. Although, one thing I believe Margaret Atwood does extremely well is painting a picture of this totalitarian society. The biggest point that Atwood emphasizes with Gilead is that women are viewed as property of the state. This society is also obsessed with fertility and Atwood shows this in many ways. Firstly, with the role of the handmaidens who are deemed as valuable to society solely because they are able to bear children. Another way this is shown is when Offred is walking through the street and sees one of the past handmaidens gloating about her pregnancy, and how it is almost deemed as impolite to gloat in front of women who are barren or not pregnant. There was also the procession of women who had a miscarriage or lost their baby over chi...

 These first few chapters of The Handmaidens Tale were honestly a bit confusing for me. From the flashbacks of Offred's past life to Offred trying to adjust to her new life, I wasn't always sure where Offred was and what she was thinking. Although, one thing I believe Margaret Atwood does extremely well is painting a picture of this totalitarian society. The biggest point that Atwood emphasizes with Gilead is that women are viewed as property of the state. This society is also obsessed with fertility and Atwood shows this in many ways. Firstly, with the role of the handmaidens who are deemed as valuable to society solely because they are able to bear children. Another way this is shown is when Offred is walking through the street and sees one of the past handmaidens gloating about her pregnancy, and how it is almost deemed as impolite to gloat in front of women who are barren or not pregnant. There was also the procession of women who had a miscarriage or lost their baby over c...