Essential Questions
1) In her first encounter with Nick, Offred
tells the story in two ways, highlighting her own fallibility in retelling
certain events. Why is she unable to
present an objective account of her encounter?
Where else might her credibility be questioned?
Offred is unable to present these events objectively due to her internal conflict; She cares for both Nick and Luke. She wants to feel love again, but her love for Luke is the only thing keeping her motivated. Her inability to describe the events here show that she becoming less and less able to follow the rules of this new world. As such, her credibility should be questioned whenever she discusses her old family.
2) In the beginning of chapter 41, Offred
expresses her wish that the story contained different material. What can we infer about her own opinions of
the events of the book by this material?
What does this material suggest about the book’s tone and themes?
This too shows Offred's persistence. She is determined to tell her story, and her desire for a different story to tell represents the theme of reluctant persistence.
3) When Offred uses the code ‘Mayday’ to
entice the new Ofglen to reveal herself as a rebel, Ofglen’s response suggests
that she is aware of the rebellion and distinctly separate from it. What does Offred’s reaction reveal about her
progression in the story, compared to similar reactions in the past?
Offred certainly doesn't react the way that she would have in the beginning of the story. Initially, she would have been terrified for her life, but she faces her fate with grim acceptance and apathy, as she no longer cares much for living.
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