chapter 11

Question 1

Now it’s obligatory

Answer 1

now it’s obligatory - Before the time of Gilead, women would have had such
check-ups on their own initiative, for their own benefit. Now fertile women are merely
objects made to conceive for the good of the state.

Question 2

Snakes and swords… bits of broken symbolism

Answer 2

snakes and swords … bits of broken symbolism - A reference to the asclepian, the
symbol of the ancient Greek god of healing, Asclepius. His symbol is a rod or sword
entwined with a snake. The fact that Offred sees such symbolism as ‘broken’ and
belonging to ‘the time before’ suggests that doctors in Gilead are no longer dedicated to
healing

Question 3

a torso only

Answer 3

a torso only - The doctor does not see Offred as an individual, with her own
personal identity and feelings. Commodified for her body

Question 4

I could help you … his hand, sliding up my leg -

Answer 4

could help you … his hand, sliding up my leg - The doctor appears to be
genuinely sympathetic to Offred’s situation, but his physical actions suggest
that he is motivated as much by lust as by pity.

Question 5

No such thing as a sterile man and
“give me children or else I will die”

Answer 5

no such thing as a sterile man - Gilead’s misogyny extends to supporting
the myth that no man can be to blame for a couple’s failure to produce
children. This reflects the views expressed in much earlier civilisations, such
as those depicted in the Old Testament where, for example, in Genesis
30:1-3, Jacob criticises Rachel for her infertility - as Atwood reminds us in the
epigraph to The Handmaid’s Tale

Question 6

He could report me

Answer 6

He could … report me - Offred is aware that she is in the doctor’s power. She
can temporarily put him off but ultimately he could have as much control over
her body as if he were to rape he

Question 7

“its the choice that terrifies me”

Answer 7

• It’s the choice that terrifies me - Since Gilead took over, Offred is not used
  to having any control over her own body and life. She now has to start
  thinking about taking actions which could lead to a variety of outcomes - she
  is not merely a passive victim. She has the possibility of ‘a way out’
  Overchoice