Chapters 10-12 Quotes Flashcards
In chapter 10, which quotes demonstrate the way in which music and singing are banned in Gilead, and what is the significance of this?
Offred sings ‘Amazing Grace’ to herself in her head: “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.”
“Amazing Grace” is a religious song that also was an important spiritual song for slaves before the American Civil War. The song links Gilead to the slave-supporting southern states of America, and this added to the fact that Offred says that this song was banned due to it mentioning freedom, reveals how truly oppressive, controlling and discriminatory Gilead is.
Such songs are not sung anymore in public, especially the ones that use words like free. They are considered too dangerous.”
This further emphasises the way Gilead has robbed people of their freedom. Songs themselves also have connotations of unity, culture and teamwork. Without these things, people are isolated, and that is exactly what the regime does.
(This could also be compared to Blanche singing “It’s Only a Paper Moon” in Scene 7 of Streetcar, and the way in which Stanley shuts her down: “Hey, canary bird! Toots! Get OUT of the BATHROOM!”
Of course, the contrast here is that in this case, Stanley is preventing Blanche from remaining in the comfort of her mind and her delusions. When the Gilead Regime prevents people from singing, it’s used more as a way to gain further control of the people by dividing and isolating them.)
What does Aunt Lydia say in chapter 10 which portray the regime’s extremely misogynistic and dehumanising views of women?
“The spectacles women used to make of themselves. Oiling themselves like roast meat on a spit… no wonder these things used to happen.”
Aunt Lydia essentially victim blames women for being sexually assaulted. This type of simile where women are compared to food and/or objects, especially meat, is very common in literature. It is a form of degradation towards women, as it is making them appear to be worthless things that can be easily manipulated and controlled, rather than individual people with importance and signifcance in society.
Which quote from chapter 10 demonstrates the way in which women are conditioned into suffering compliantly under the Gilead regime?
“Nothing changes instantaneously: in a gradually heating bathtub you’d be boiled to death before you knew it.”
This shows how the uprising of Gilead was a gradual one, and the metaphor of being boiled to death before you know it displays what’s happening in Gilead, where society has changed so drastically but gradually enough that no one realised what was happening.
(This can be compared to the way both Stella and Eunice have been conditioned to be compliant in their husbands’ abuse, both by the husbands themselves and by society.)
What does Moira say in chapter 10 which is indicative of the freedom women had before the regime?
Moira’s party is a feminist attempt to take control of female sexuality. But Offred’s previous memory of Aunt Lydia throws Moira’s actions into doubt. Is the “Underwhore” party really a promotion of women’s rights, or does it feed right into the culture of porn and men’s gratification?
What does Offred state about the commander in chapter 10 which illustrates the strict expectations that women have been put under?
“Now the Commander is coming out… His hair is grey. Silver, you might call it if you were being kind. I don’t feel like being kind.”
Offred’s small decision to not be kind about her description of the Commander’s hair is in fact a small act of rebellion, and a chance to have an even slight amount of power over this authority figure. This really demonstrates how strictly judged the women of Gilead are, as Offred’s ‘unkindness’ in this situation is literally just her calling the commanders hair grey instead of silver. Implying that the women of Gilead are expected to constantly be kind and respectful towards higher class men.
(This can be compared to how angry and agitated Stanley becomes in Streetcar when Stella isn’t constantly kissing the ground he walks upon. The moment she stops following orders from him, jokes about him and critiques him he begins acting violent (i.e hurling the plate on the floor in scene 8 because Stella told him to clear his plate.) This therefore proves how women are expected to be respectful and kind to men all of the time. This aspect of Stanley’s character also demonstrates his fragile masculinity.)
In chapter 11, how does Offred explain her trip to the doctors? What is the significance of this?
“Yesterday morning I went to the doctor. Was taken, by a doctor…”
This line emphasises how little independence Offred has, as she corrects herself and realises that she didn’t actually voluntarily go to the doctor but was instead taken by a guardian. Here, she’s treated more like a child, or a pet or an inanimate object moreso than an adult, and this is emphasised by the fact that she is the passive subject in this sentence.
(This can be compared to how Blanche is treated by the Matron in scene 11 of streetcar).
What does the doctor do which further demonstrates Offred’s lack of agency?
“‘I could help you’, he says. Whispers… Is that his hand sliding up my leg? He’s taken off the glove.”
This demonstrates how the doctor abused his power in an attempt to take advantage of Offred for, at least in part, his own sexual desires. This can be compared to how both Mitch and Stanley use their power to take advantage of Blanche, as they both know that they could get away with it with little consequences.
What does Offred state in chapter 11 which demonstrates the double standard between the way men and women are treated in Gilead?
“I almost gasp: he’s said a forbidden word. Sterile. There is no such thing as a sterile man any more, not officially.”
This also demonstrates how the Gilead government dictate what is “real” and what isn’t, regardless of science.
(Link to the double standard of Blanche’s promiscuity vs Stanley’s promiscuity in Streetcar).
In chapter 12, what does Offred say about her body which proves the extent to which the regime has affected her mentality?
“My nakedness is strange to me already. My body seems outdated. Did I really wear bathing suits, at the beach? I did, without thought, among men… Shameful, immodest.”
This demonstrates how societal perceptions of Offred’s body have warped her own perception. She now feels ashamed for this completely natural part of herself. This is just one example of the rampant misogyny in Gilead, as Offred now views the existence of her body as shameful because of how it might make men feel. This can be linked to how Blanche also feels dirty and unclean because of societal standards, and this constantly feels the need to bathe).
In chapter 12, which quote demonstrates how the regime has influenced her perception of self?
“My nakedness is strange to me already. My body seems outdated. Did I really wear bathing suits, at the beach? I did, without thought, among men… Shameful, immodest.”
This demonstrates how Gilead’s oppressive misogyny has influenced women. Offred now feels ashamed of existing in her own body, because she feels it is the cause of her oppression.
(Can be compared to Blanche bathing to feel clean)
