Overall, the final section of the novel deviated greatly
from the expected ending, in my opinion. I feel as though the author’s
stylistic approach changed from its initial flowing form towards an extremely
sporadic sensation. It seemed as though many threads were left dangling loose;
specifically, I felt that the entirety of the relationship between the
Commander and Offred seemed to vanish, diminishing itself towards the abysmal
fate that initially reigned prominently. Furthermore, I was extremely shocked and
interested following the replacement of Ofglen. Personally, I found it
simultaneous relieving and horrifying to learn of the previous Oflgen’s suicide
– though she was able to escape the horrors of society, she was forced to do so
through the makeshift salvation of immediate death. Truly, this exemplifies the
horrid societal circumstances that surrounded the timeframe and setting of the
novel as a whole. One thing that I found extremely curious was the extreme
aggression that the handmaids displayed as they beat the accused Guardian to
death during the particicution. I found that their hostility, though
justifiable based upon the Guardian’s actions, epitomize the ideologies
surrounding the barbarity of a deinstitutionalized and dystopian social structure.
Firstly, this week, I think that we should discuss the
recent progressions (or hindrances) in the relationship between Offred and Nick
and the subsequent interactions between Offred and Serena. Though Serena seemed
to be the most prominent advocate for the advancement of Nick and Offred’s
relationship, she immediately refuted the possibility of it following a
realization that the connection between the two continued after the removal of
her metaphysical supervision. Personally, I think that this exemplifies Serena’s
controlling nature and her need to dominant the various aspects of her world,
most likely resulting from the limited power of women in society. What are your
thoughts regarding Serena and her actions involving Nick and Offred’s
relationship? Additionally, what are your thoughts regarding the handmaid’s
internalized controversies between her mind and her heart – specifically between
the roles of Nick and Luke?
Additionally, I think that we should discuss the final scene
of the novel, in which the handmaid was removed from the Commander’s house. I
felt that this scene seemed to be extremely ambiguous – there seemed to be many
unanswered questions for both the reader and the characters. I feel as though the
author, in order to exemplify and highlight the failures of the novel’s society
in terms of interfacing with the public and explaining the governmental acts,
intentionally did this. What are your thoughts regarding this scene? Were you
satisfied with the outcome? Do you feel that a different ending would have been
a better way to express the authorial ideologies?
Ultimately, what are your thoughts regarding the novel as a
whole? Did you enjoy the book? Was it similar to your expectations?
