Serena Joy Flashcards
Why is Serna Joy’s name choice ironic?
Serena Joy is neither serene nor joyful.
What suggests Serena Joy can’t afford to make accusations against the Commander?
When she finds out that the narrator has broken the rules with the Commander, she’s furious. She doesn’t blame the Commander, just the narrator, even though the Commander is the one who started the affair.
What does Serena Joy accuse the narrator of? Why is this significant?
Serena Joy accuses the narrator of stealing “something” (the commander) from her. Originally, though, that’s what the narrator had wanted to do: steal a daffodil or a knife, something to remind herself of who she is (she stole Luke away from his wife).
Does the narrator admit to stealing something from Serena?
Yes.
‘I felt I was an intruder, in a territory that ought to have been hers. […] I was taking something away from her, although she didn’t know it. I was filching. (26.6)
Describe Serena Joy’s past life.
She was a gospel star and a homemaking advocate. She later became a motivational speaker - ‘Her speeches were about the sanctity of the home’ (8.21)
What is ironic about Serena Joy’s past homemaking advocate role?
She didn’t do this herself and now that she’s no longer famous, she’s stuck at home - poetic justice.
What suggests that Serena, the spokeswomen for anti-feminist causes might not enjoy getting their way as much as they believed they would?
Her bitterness at the outcome of Gilead - being confined to the home and to see her husband copulating with a Handmaid.
What does Serena cruelly conceal?
Her knowledge of Offred’s lost daughter - she is willing to exploit Offred’s loss of a child in order to get an infant of her own.
What is Serena’s lack of sympathy a perfect tool for?
Gilead’s social order, which relies on the willingness of women to oppress other women. Atwood is implying that such women are the glue that binds Gilead together.
