LOVE

Question 1

Give an overview of love in Gilead.

Answer 1

It is more remembered than practised. Theres nothing from the past to hold on to and many peoples connections and relationships have been completely severed. Love exists only as a memory or in secret.

Question 2

Give a quote that relates to touch and love.

Answer 2

‘I hunger to touch something’ (2.25)

• Offred transmits her ‘hunger’ for something edible, bread, to what would really nourish her: touch, and, correspondingly love.
• She wants to touch and be touched, to remind herself of her body and the feelings that can develop from that sort of tactile sensation.
• Links to the lust and desire of Blanche.

Question 3

Give a quote about hope and love.

Answer 3

‘It’s this message, which may never arrive, that keeps me alive’ (18.18)

• As Offred waits for this ‘message’ that will prove Luke’s love for her, she proves her own by waiting and believing. In a house without love, she still imagine it coming back for her.
• Links to how Blanche idealises Shep Huntley and how this keeps her going (even though she’s lost control mentally).