IDENTITY

Question 1

Described everyones identity.

Answer 1

Everyone’s identity has been stripped away. Women are grouped into classes.

Question 2

What is significant about the female body and its functions?

Answer 2

The body and its functions, especially the fertile female body, have become more important than personality, education, or mind. No character is represented by their real name.

Question 3

Give a quote that relates composition to identity.

Answer 3

‘I wait. I compose myself. My self is a thing I must now compose’. (12.25)

• Offred seems like she’s been split into two parts: within this new Handmaid, “Offred” works to present a version of herself that is ‘a thing’ she ‘composes’.
• She can’t behave naturally or impulsively; she has to constantly play a role.

Question 4

Give a quote that relates to revealing identity.

Answer 4

‘And if I talk to him I’ll say something wrong…’ (29.16)

• Even the simplest exchanges can reveal portions of identity. Through her conversation she will ‘give’ herself ‘away’ or ‘betray’ what little she has left.
• While she desires to be known and recognised for herself again, she also has to acknowledge the danger inherent in that kind of action. Can’t be herself.

Question 5

Give a quote that relates to love and identity.

Answer 5

‘Falling in love… If it never happened to you, you would be like a mutant (35.13)
- While in Gilead its dangerous to remain yourself in any form. In the time before people believed ‘falling in love’ was a crucial part of forming one’s identity. Now this seems like a luxury that the Handmaid’s can’t afford.

Question 6

Give a quote that relates to children and identity.

Answer 6

‘I have been obliterated for her’ (35.35)
- The relationship between Offred and her daughter relates to Blanche and Stella. Stanley is like Gilead as he has taken Stella away into a new life - Blanche is not part of this.