Serena Joy Flashcards
1
Q
Why is everything in the bathroom blue? Chp 12
A
- Offred is taking Serena Joy’s place
- SJ has complicity with the act
- Reminder to not forget Serena and her responsibility
2
Q
Serena Joy
A
- Commander Fred’s wife
- Woman of mystery: Withholds information
- Authoritative, woman of power: Contrasts with Offred in age, fertility and health
- Provokes some sympathy and understanding from the reader
- “Care for garden”. “Cares…for children”
- Well known: possibly deeply religious
- Should be 100% Gilead but breaks rules through smoking
- Resentful and bitter woman
- Forced to have a handmaid
- Appears to be not fond of Offred or the commander
- Dangerous and violent: Needles, knuckles
- Direct and confrontational
3
Q
Colours of Commander’s wives
A
- Blue
- Resentful women
- Emptiness
- Royal colour signifies high status/ elite social class
- Virgin mary, madonna?
- Melancholy due to loss of intimacy
