Chapters 45 & 46 Flashcards
Why is Offred relieved at the start of Ch. 45?
Because the old Ofglen has committed suicide, Ofglen will not give her name to the Eyes while being tortured.
What does Offred feel for the first time?
Offred feels completely within the power of the authorities.
What does Serena call Offred and why?
She finds the outfit Offred wore when she went out with the Commander, and calls her a slut.
What does Offred think about after the confrontation with Serena?
- Using the hidden match to start a fire, even though she’d likely die from smoke inhalation
- Hanging herself using the hooks in the closet
- Killing Serena when she next enters the room
What does Offred hear coming for her at the end of the novel?
A black van, with eyes painted on its sides.
Who comes into Offred’s room when the van pulls up?
Nick, who tells her they are part of mayday and have come to save him. Offred doesn’t completely trust him, but goes.
What does Offred realise as Serena comes outside at the end of the novel?
She wasn’t the one who called them, as she demands to know Offred’s crimes.
What was Offred ‘arrested’ for?
“violation of state secrets”
Is it confirmed the people who arrested Offred were actually Eyes?
No. It is left unknown to a reader who these people were.
Why does the novel end so abruptly?
It illustrates the precarious nature of existence in a totalitarian society in which everyone stands constantly poised on the edge of arrest and execution.
