locations Flashcards
the gymnasium/red centre
a place of re-education for the handmaids, where they are physically isolated from one another. The fact it is in what used to be a school highlights not only the declining birth-rate but also the disregard of modern education
key quotes for the gymnasium
the commanders house
a place of entrapment and control for Offred, where she is constantly in danger
offreds bedroom
somewhere that offred spends alot of her time, although she refuses to call it “hers”. the fact that the room lacks glass and light fixtures highlights the position handmaids are in, a fate so terrible they would rather commit suicide than be apart of it. it is bare bones, only requiring the basics, giving it an almost puritanical feel
key quotes for offreds room
serena joys sitting room and garden
serena joys domains, where she is able to knit or garden to keep herself busy. the former is violated by fred during the ceremony, giving foreshadowing for what is to come
the kitchen
the martha’s domain, and somewhere offred seems to wish she was welcomed in. their access to knives and other privileges shows that, compared to handmaids, they are expendable
serena joys bedroom
the sight of offred rape, with several images related to pregnancy. it is lavish, but this only seems to be a facade for the acts which go on within the room
key quotes for serena joys bedroom
the wall
the disregard of education is clear with the wall, as it was once a college or university (likely a prestigous one), which has been overtaken for Gileads regime. it serves as a reminder to everyone in Gilead of what happens if you disobey, and ensures subservience
key quotes for the wall
the home of Warren
the epitome of indulgence, with urns at the entrance of the home and a large feast prepared, compared to the modesty of the life of a handmaid
freds office
a secret space, curtained off from the rest of the home. it is somewhere that offred can relax and be her true self, in theory, but there is still a tension between the two characters due to being unsure of each others motives/the risk involved
jezebels
a place of female exploitation, giving commanders an escape for the desires they cannot take part in in their real lives. the women here believe that this is a form of liberation, despite still being a pawn in the system
domestic spaces
interior settings
exterior settings
