Aunt Lydia Flashcards
‘Freedom to and freedom from’ (pg.24)
‘Oiling themselves like roast meat on a spit’
This simile is a derogatory and dehumanising way to refer to women, it also shows Aunt Lydia’s conservative attitudes to what could be considered provocative activities
‘Don’t think it’s easy for me either said Aunt Lydia’
Even though Aunt Lydia is a figure of power we can see that Gilead is still oppressive for her as well.
‘Why bash your head said Aunt Lydia against a wall’
The metaphor portrays that remembering the past is so painful but also shows how those in power are trying to erase this by manipulating people’s opinions
‘They were lazy women, she says. They were sluts’
These derogatory terms used by Aunt Lydia shows conservative attitudes and how pre-Gilead women are demonised to be unfaithful and distasteful
‘Her voice is pious, condescending’
Aunt Lydia is progressively described in a dislikeable manner by Offred - her character is very patronising as she is in a position of power
‘Hatred fills my mouth like spit’ (p.276)
The simile comparing hatred to spit shows Offred’s reaction to Aunt Lydia is uncontrollable and natural - her hatred runs deep
