Chapters 41-End

 I really enjoyed this book. I found it much smoother and intriguing to read than the other books that we have read this year. I think that this could possibly be because the main character of this novel is a woman, and the novel is written by a woman. Although the pressure on sexual relations was much more severe in this book, I feel that it was believable and realistic to some extent. In addition to this, I liked how there were more severe punishments for those who refused to participate in the society in this book. 

    What do you think? Did you enjoy this book? Was it easier or harder to read this book compared to the other books we have read? Did you like the main character in this book better than 1984 and BNW? Was the ending satisfying to you, or did it leave you wanting more? 

Chapters 35-40

     The Commander is progressively becoming more creepy and disgusting as the book progresses. The interactions with him and Offred are becoming more and more risky, which is causing me to worry about what will happen next. There is also a particular fixation on the blue coat of Serena's and the importance of not getting lipstick on it, which makes me think that it is predicting something that will happen later in the book. 

    What do you think? Will Serena find the jacket? Or, are Offred and the Commander in the clear?

Chapters 29-34

     I was pleasantly surprised to read the interaction between Serena Joy and Offred. I didn't think that Serena would grow a liking to Offred, let alone allowing her and Nick to have sex. Was Serena Joy so desperate to have a baby to the point of asking Offred to have sex with Nick? Do you think she actually likes Offred, or is it all for show? Do you think that this has happened before with Serena Joy and her previous Handmaids? Let me know. 

Chapters 23-28

     I think that the relationship between Offred and the Commander is very odd. On one hand, it seems very kind of him to be reaching out to Offred and helping her get some peace of mind. On the other hand, he could be using Offred for some ulterior motive that would benefit himself (i.e. the "kiss me like you mean it" comment). On a completely different hand he could be an Eye waiting to turn her in for betraying Gilead. It seems pretty risky to have Offred sacrifice her well-being all for a game of Scrabble. 

    What do you think the Commander's real reasoning is behind this act? Is Offred deserving anything that may come her way as a result of this? Or, is the Commander to blame?

Chapters 17-22

    The birth of Angela seems to be both a unification and divider of the Handmaids. On one side, before the birth they are able to communicate openly, drink secretly, and let go slightly of their strict rules and restrictions. On the other hand, after the birth they are reminded that although Janine is spared from being sent to the Colonies and named an Unwoman, they are not. Almost immediately, their joy and peace are turned to jealousy and resentment. I guess that is the cruel irony of this book. Something that should be seen as incredible and miraculous is tossed aside and rebranded. 

Chapters 9-16

     To be honest, I was very creeped out by the doctor in this set of readings. I understand the reasoning behind him asking Offred to have sex with him, but it seemed that he had an ulterior motive. My question for those viewing this blog post is, should Offred had said yes to him? Would it be more beneficial for her to say yes, or would it cost her too much? We don't know everything yet, so maybe this question will be answered in later chapters, but try to answer the question to the best of your abilities. 

Chapters 1-8

     When I read the summary on the back of my book, I was confused by the name of our protagonist, Offred. I thought it was a unique name that I had never heard of before, but it didn't have much of an effect on me. It wasn't until I got to page 35, "Ofwayne. No. Ofwarren," that I understood what these "names" meant. These women have had their names replaced (probably not of their own choice) to belong to the Commander that they are assigned to. It's not really that deep, at least not yet, but I found it interesting nevertheless. 

    I also thought that it is interesting to note how different this novel is from the other two novels that we have read. The constraints on sexuality and women's freedom seems much more believable in this novel. I also enjoy the style of writing in this book as well. I like how there is still an element of mystery, rather than the narrator just telling us what has occurred to result in the current society.