Salvaging XIV Flashcards
What happens in chapter 41?
Tells her imagined listener her story is too painful to bear, but needs to go on telling it because it wills her listener into being. May be addressing the reader, or Luke; says she wants to hear her listener’s story too, if her listener escapes. Continues to see Nick without Serena’s knowledge. Feels thankful each time he opens the door to her. He never says much, but she finds herself telling him about Moira and Ofglen and tells him her real name but never mentions Luke. Eventually, she tells him she thinks she is pregnant, although privately she feels this is wishful thinking. During their shopping trips, Ofglen pressures Offred to break into the Commander’s office- wants Offred to find out what he really does, what responsibilities he has. Offred now tunes out Ofglen and spends her time thinking about Nick.
What happens in chapter 42?
A “Salvaging,” is held in what used to be Harvard Yard. All the women in the district must attend. Aunt Lydia supervises the hangings. The 1st time Offred has seen Aunt Lydia since leaving the Center. Announces they are discontinuing announcing the crimes because it sparks copycat crimes. 3 women are hanged, 2 Handmaids and 1 Wife. Speculates the Handmaid tried to kill her Commander’s Wife. Says Wives get salvaged for only 3 things: killing a Handmaid, adultery, or attempted escape. The Handmaids must place their hands on a long rope as the women hang, in order to show their consent to the salvaging.
What happens in chapter 43?
After the hanging, the Handmaids are instructed to form a circle. A few women leave, but most Wives and daughters stay. Then 2 Guardians drag a 3rd Guardian to the front. He is disheveled and smells of excrement. He looks drunk or drugged. Aunt Lydia announces he and another Guardian have been convicted of rape. His partner was shot already, but this man has been saved for the Handmaids for a “Particicution.” Adds that 1 of the 2 Handmaids involved was pregnant and lost the baby in the attack. A wave of raw fury courses through the crowd; Offred feels bloodlust along with the others. Blows a whistle, and the Handmaids close in on the man, kicking and beating him to a bloody pulp. Ofglen dashes in 1st and kicks his head several times. Disgusted, Offred asks Ofglen why she did it so she whispers he was part of the underground rebellion, and she wanted to put him out of his misery quickly. Offred sees Janine carrying a bloody clump of hair. Her eyes look vacant, and she babbles some cheerful greetings from the time before Gilead. Offred admits, ashamed, that she feels great hunger.
What happens in chapter 44?
Soon after the Salvaging, Offred goes out for a shopping trip but the Handmaid who meets her is not Ofglen. When Offred asks her where Ofglen went, the woman replies, “I am Ofglen.”. Trying to see if the new woman belongs to the resistance, Offred suggests they go to the Wall. As they walk there, Offred works the password “Mayday” into the conversation by mentioning the old holiday of “May Day.” The new Ofglen looks at her coolly and tells her that she should forget such “echoes” from the old world. Terrified, that the new Ofglen knows about the resistance and does not belong to it. Imagines herself found out and arrested. As they part, the new Ofglen whispers that the old Ofglen hanged herself when she saw the van coming, and then walks quickly away.
What happens in chapter 45?
Offred feels great relief when she hears that Ofglen has committed suicide. For the first time, Offred feels completely within the power of the authorities. She feels she will do anything necessary to live. From the porch, Serena calls to Offred who holds out her winter cloak and the sequined outfit. She asks Offred how she could be so vulgar, and then tells Offred she is a slut like the other Handmaid and will come to the same end. Nick stops whistling, but Offred does not look at him. She manages to remain calm and composed as she retreats to her room.
