Chapters 40 to Ending

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?