Quotes Flashcards
Night- ‘I am not being wasted’ Technique and context
An allusion to a common phrase used in the 1930’s Great Depression.
Night- ‘I am not being wasted’ Analysis
Indicates Offred is a resource, only used when she is needed however she desires more.
Shopping- ‘We aren’t allowed to go there except in two’s’ Analysis
Denotes the extent to their surveillance unable to be present in society individually.
Night 2- ‘I would like to believe this story I am telling, I need and must believe it.’ Analysis
Implies that storytelling gives Offred a freedom and control over herself which she is not entitled to in Gilead.
Waiting room- ‘He could fake the tests’ Analysis
Shows Offred’s vulnerability within society, dominated by the male patriarchy.
Nap-‘ I want to be held and told my real name’ Analysis
Conveys that Offred connects her value to her name and that has been stripped away by Gilead.
Household- ‘It’s a lack of love we die from’ Analysis
Shows Offred’s repression of her spirit as she experiences a deprivation of love and mentally anguishes to be with her family.
Night 3-‘Moira had power now’ Analysis
Catalyst for a theme of power and rebellion. Examplifys her inspiration in bargaining others to take back their identities.
Birth day-‘ How easy is it to invent humanity for anyone’ Analysis
Justification of people able to perpetrate oppressive actions and dehumanise others, reflects Commanders responsibility in creating evil.
Night 4- ‘Hope is rising like sap in a tree’ Analysis
Natural imagery contradicts the concept of hope as Offred’s situation remains the same.
Soul scrolls- ‘Each one remains unique’ Analysis
Offred clings on to individuality despite Gilead’s efforts of a homogenisation regime.
Jezebels-‘So sinful, so free’ Analysis
Indicates freedom’s associations with promiscuity and danger for the handmaids due to their longing to feel something.
Night 6- ‘ Dont risk yourself for me if it should come to that’ Analysis
Suggests Offred’s respect and care for Nick, denotes Gilead places those within the regime under constant apprehension of danger.
Salvaging- ‘I wish the story were different’ Analysis
Offred regrets her submission wishing she had been a more active participant of rebellion.
Emphasises the lack of control she truly withholds.
Night 7- ‘Behind me I feel her presence’ Analysis
Portrays womanhood subverting Gilead’s oppression. Offred has never truly been alone and is comforted by the fate of the previous handmaid.
