Related Characters in The Handmaid's Tale: Key Quotes Analysis
Offred and Her Mother
"My mother, she's a hole in what I know. A missing part, a dark gap, like the spots you see after looking at a bright light."
This quote illustrates the complex relationship between Offred and her mother, highlighting how memories of her feminist activist mother haunt her present existence. The imagery of a "dark gap" emphasizes both loss and the lasting impact of maternal influence.
NoteThe mother-daughter relationship serves as a commentary on different waves of feminism and generational perspectives on women's rights.
Offred and Moira
"Moira was like an elevator with open sides. She made us dizzy. Already we were losing the taste for freedom, already we were finding these walls secure."
The metaphor of an elevator perfectly captures Moira's role as a symbol of rebellion and freedom. Through quotes about Moira, we see:
- The contrast between rebellion and compliance
- How freedom can become frightening after prolonged oppression
- The way Moira's spirit influences Offred's narrative
Pay attention to how Moira's character development mirrors the broader themes of resistance and submission in the novel.
Offred and Serena Joy
"She wanted me to feel that I could not come into the house unless she said so. She wanted me to know I was inferior to her."
The relationship between Offred and Serena Joy is characterized by:
- Power dynamics
- Mutual resentment
- Complex female relationships under patriarchy
When Serena Joy arranges Offred's meetings with Nick, we see how both women manipulate the system while remaining trapped within it:
"We're supposed to be together on this. Supposed to be a team."
