Eng 181

Ben Berry The plot of the Handmaid's tale is very fragmented. We don't get events that happen in the order that they happen in. Rather, we get separate events that may or may not be connected. This allows the author to show us events as we need to know them. For example, we get a lot of stuff about Moria, but we don't meet her in the 'present' until later in the book. This allows the reader to look back and remember what her character was like, but doesn't put it so close to the moment that it looks like the author is trying to dump a lot of characterization on us to make this moment that they want to be epic, but only just realized that they didn't set up enough for it.

Ben Berry I find the character Offred fascinating. Her characterization is super well done, as it needs to be as she is the main character. At the start of the book, she seems like someone who has accepted her place in this new dystopia. Not gladly, but mostly because everything she cared about is gone, and so she feels there is no point in trying to resist. During her time at the red center, she didn't have this level of apathy. It was more about fear that kept her in line. Fear of punishment, both physical and mental. Then Moria shows up and there is a spark kindled in Offred. She has someone to inspire and help her though these hard times. It's when she leaves that I think Offred falls into the pit of apathy. She no longer has someone to inspire resistance in her and so she just thinks, 'Screw it, might as well just fall in line. It's easier then fighting.' We again see this spark get kindled at soul scrolls, when Offred and Ofglen talk with each other. A big...

Ben Berry The scene I choose to review is on page 75, where Offred's daughter gets taken as they are running for Canada. I enjoy this scene for a number of reasons, mostly because it helps us get a clearer picture of Offred and her backstory. One thing I noticed is that half of the paragraph has no periods. It's all commas, which often separate single words. This lends the scene a very fast pace. Offred's mind is running on adrenaline, so of course she is thinking fast. I also noticed the juxtaposition of some of the words and scenes described. The entire scene is an absolutely awful moment in this woman's life, but she describes a beautiful leaf, and talks about how the moment seems like a Christmas card. I'm still not sure why both the author and Offred choose to use those words. I also noticed near the beginning of the scene, Offred says how she feels like she is no longer in her body and feels quite calm. I find this an interesting statement. I think this is...