Describe something ironic that happens in these chapters regarding the role of women in the Gilead. Cite the pages and analyze in detail.
One definition of irony is an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected (dictionary.com).
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
"The heat at Night5 is worse than the heat in daytime" (259)
ReplyDeleteI believe this quote is both ironic and a double entendre. It's quite ironic because it is always cooler than it is at night because the sun isn't out to warm the earth. Usually during the day it gets hot because of the sun and the light is oftentimes unbarable. I find this ironic because the night is hotter than the daytime, which is the exact oppisite of what it should be.
I also found this quote to be a double entendre. It could mean that the night is hotter than daytime. It could also mean that it is hot because of the Ceremony that happens during the night. When two people have sex, they get hot and in the mood. Maybe this is what she meant, but that's how I saw this quote as ironic and a double entendre.
"I go through the ritual politeness of asking. It makes me feel more in control..." (269).
ReplyDeleteThis is ironic because when you are asking permission for something it is because you do not have the control in the situation. Asking someone shows them being higher than you because you need their permission.
It is also ironic because she is going for her own will to see Nick. If Nick didn't want to she probably would've stopped coming. he is showing that she trully has no control in this situation. She even says, "Then I would knock softly, a beger's knock" (268). the fact that she is using politeness to gain power is contradicting since it only shows her lack of power.
"The crimes of others are a secret language among us. Through them we show ourselves what we might be capable of, after all" (275).
ReplyDeleteThis quote is ironic. When Moira escaped, the women were scared of her and were unaccepting of her action, feeling "dizzy" (133). In this chapter, however, the women become upset that they cannot know the crimes committed by other women. By hearing the crimes, they felt as though they could commit the crime as well. Instead of feeling hopeful that Moira escaped and that they, the women, were capable of doing it too, the women showed their disapproval and fear. Their mind, in this chapter, changes, however, and they desire to know the crimes they could possibly commit.
LauraAshley Pfeifer
ReplyDelete“Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder” (262)
This quote shows irony. This quote shows irony because Offred says this right before her and the Commander are about to have sex. The act of abstinence is to not to engage in any sexual activity. Offred says that they are quoting from old movies. This shows how in the old time it was not right to have sex before marriage, so they practiced in abstinence. This shows the theme of individuality because Offred before, did not want to have sex with the Commander but was going to do so anyway. It also shows Gilead being flawed because Offred speaks of abstinence, something practiced before marriage, when the Handmaids have sex with people they are not even married to.
Irony:
ReplyDelete“I wish this story were different. I wish it were more civilized.” (Atwood 267)
This quote is an example of irony because Offred is saying how she wishes that she wasn’t part of the Gilead society and she wishes it would turn out different .The reason she wishes it would be different because the Gilead society is suppose to be isolated from everything and you would think that it would be civilized. You would think that by having the Gilead society isolated everyone would follow the rules. This shows irony and that the Gilead society is flawed because mostly all the characters from the book against the rules from the society. Like Offred and the Commander goes against the rules by seeing each other night and reading magazines when both of them aren’t suppose to do that.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSemir Pupovic
ReplyDeleteIrony
It is very ironical how Offred tells that she will tell something that contains the truth. This means that she will not lie, but she constantly does that. For example, when Offred was telling about her experience with Luke, she told a couple different versions. This means that she was lying some parts of it. It is ironical how after a whole bunch of reconstructive lies, Offred tells that her story "includes the truth" (268). Even though Offred reconstructs/lies most of the time, she tells that she is going to tell the truth.
I also find it ironical how after the organized sex scene between Offred and Nick, Offred still went back for more. Offred didn't think that sex one time with Nick was enough. The irony comes in after she had sex with Nick, she though about betraying Luke. Offred worried about betraying Luke, but ended up going back to Nick on her own. It is ironic how Offred thinks one thing and feels guilty about, and then continues doing the thing she felt guilty about, such as betraying Luke by having sex with Nick.
Santos Martinez-
ReplyDeleteIrony
I think it’s ironic how Offred is a handmaid and she is only supposed to have sex with the Commander only, but she has sex with Nick multiple times (268). I think this because the original plan was for Offred to only have sex with the Commander during ceremonies only, but instead she has sex with the Commander even if it’s not the ceremony and with Nick several times. The only difference is that she says that the Commander is “fucking her”, while Nick is “making love” with her. She is saying that she prefers to have sex with Nick than sex with the Commander. In fact she wonders is she should dress up for Nick (269).
Irony
ReplyDelete"Odd, to hear her wispering, as if she is one of us. Usually Wives do not lower their voices... he's expecting you." (Atwood 260)
This is an example of Irony because the Commander mentioned the ceremony was coming up and when I first read this, I thought it was about the ceremony but it is about Offred going to have sex with nick because Serena tells Offred how to get to Nicks apartment which is outside and above the garage. I feel that this is a strange event because it seemed as though Offred would not go through with Serena's plan and it seems that she is going through with it which seems to be out of the ordinary. Tis shows the Gilead is flawed because Offred is not obeying the laws of Gilead. Offred has obeyed the customs unitl now and it is ironic that she is now dis- obeying the customs and it has been five years after the rise of Gilead, and it shows that she had followed the customs until now and all of a sudden she decides to dis-obey them which is ironic.
One note
ReplyDeleteThe 'He' that is refered to is Nick.
It is very ironic how Offred says "I want to go to bed, make love, right now." (Atwood 281). As Offred begins to have feelings for Nick she has sex with him night after night. This shows a change in her emotions because she is making love to some one she wants to and she also shows emotion. During the salvaging Aunt Lydia tells the women about a commander who has committed rape. As Offred describes the man to looked drugged and harshly brutalize; she stands in the circle just taking her position (Atwood 279). As the women beat the man on for his crime everyone finally stops and in Offreds head she thinks about making love. This is irony because Offred did not care for the man on the ground which could be Nick; she just responds with emotion of having sex.
ReplyDelete“Her left hand clamps the banister, in pain...Holding on...She’s biting her lip, she’s suffering. She wants it all right, that baby” (Atwood 259)
ReplyDeleteThis excerpt derived from chapter forty, is a prime example of irony surrounding women’s role within Gilead civilization. It represents authority’s dependence on the weaker individual and their own personal failure to achieve their individual needs. Serena Joy, Gilead’s leading lady, is one of the most pivotal females within society, representing the pinnacle of womanhood. She carries within herself an essence of pride and self-importance, as her stature allows it. However, she as well possesses a unique flaw, one in which could rob her of her worth within Gilead establishment. For Serena Joy, is a victim of age, carrying the burden of infertility within her loins. As an aging woman, she is unable to provide society with its primary need, growth upon its numbers. She sees that her final days of influence are upon her, her flaw quickly becoming her demise. However, she surprisingly sees a solution within the form of her unequal, a Handmaid, as they are called. Offred, a Handmaiden within society is unlike her superior counterpart. For she carries the ability of fertility, an aptitude in which Serena Joy desperately needs. Serena is not shy with becoming friendly with Offred, a surprising turn of event, in which Offred naturally, does not expect. Serena sees Offred as her final chance, a last attempt at “experiencing” the wonders of pregnancy and the result that comes with it. It is in this sense that Offred takes on the “donor” role, acting as a mere vessel. It is ironic that someone of higher command must rely on the weak in order to receive what they desire.
“’…I’ll sit here’ She’ll wait for me then, in case there’s trouble; in case Cora and Rita wake up, no ones knows why, come in from their room at the back of the kitchen. What will she say to them? That she couldn’t sleep. That she wanted some hot milk. She’ll be adroit enough to lie well, I can see that” (Atwood 260).
ReplyDeleteIt is ironic how Serena Joy, a Wife, would help Offred, a handmaid. Serena Joy is in a higher rank than Offred. Serena Joy helps Offred get with Nick. This is like Serena Joy encouraging Offred to break the rules in the Gilead society. In order to help Offred get with Nick, Serena takes on the role to help Offred watch out for trouble. This is ironic because Serena, at a higher ranking, is helping Offred. It would be expected for Offred to be helping out Serena Joy. However, Serena Joy helps Offred out by watching out for Cora and Rita. Serena is also helping Offred by lying.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIrony
ReplyDeleteIt’s ironic that an Aunt would inform Offred that the Commander was waiting for her. Not only was it ironic that she informed Offred, but was willing to stay behind and make sure nobody finds out (Atwood259). In this society the Aunts are suppose to be a source of guidance for the Handmaids. The Aunts are supposed to show the Handmaid’s right from wrong. By breaking the rules, the Aunts are showing the rest of society that this is okay. It’s also very ironic that an Aunt would be willing to risk her life for a Handmaid. The Aunts have a lot of power in this society. Despite, the privileges she has she was still willing to risk everything.
"Without warning I begin to cry." (Atwood 262)
ReplyDeleteThis quote shows irony, in response to the earlier quote, "We're going to be tough." (Atwood 262) Offred and Nick did not show emotion at their encounter when Nick opened the door. Offred privately acknowledged that Nick is getting paid for this sexual encounter, which made the intercourse session strict business. However, after the two exhanged old movie quotes, Offred grew nostalgic and thought of what intimacy was before the Gilead existed. She could not contain herself and began to cry. This shows irony in that a reader at first may think that the intercourse will turn out to be unintimate and emotionless, but the tough facade soon diminishes.
[I must say that though this is irony, I kind of expected Offred to show emotion at one point or another during this chapter because it makes the plot interesting.]
"Women salvagings are not frequent. There is less need for them. These days we are so well behaved" (273).
ReplyDeleteIt is ironic how there is a salvaging for women when Offred started having sex with Nick. The salvagings are not supposed to be frequent, yet Atwood displayed one during the affairs.
Offred described that salvaging for women now is rare because "we are so well behaved." Offred included herself as being behaved (we). Ironically, she is not behaved at all. She constantly broke laws, seemingly unable to stop.
“She’s here at midnight, as she said she’d be. I can hear her, a faint tapping, a faint shuffling on the muffling rug of the corridor, before her light knock comes. I don't say anything, but follow her back along the hall and down the stairs” (259).
ReplyDeleteThis is ironic because Serena Joy is helping Offred sneak out of the house in order to see Nick and hopefully get pregnant. This is ironic because Offred and Serena Joy don't really get along. Serena Joy, a Wife, is helping Offred, a handmaid’s, get with a Guardian. This would be like two teenagers sneaking around going out for secret dates without their parents knowing. This also shows the flaws in the society because a handmaid is only supposed to be able to get pregnant with the Commander’s baby, not any other men. All other men aren’t supposed to be with women. But with Serena Joy helping Offred sneak out of the house to see Nick, a Guardian, shows the irony and the flaws in the society of Gilead.
“Women’s Salvagings are not frequent. There is less need for them. These days we are so well behaved” (Atwood 273).
ReplyDelete- Irony.
I think the word, “Salvaging” is ironic because of they way the use it. The word “Salvaging” means “the act of saving anything from fire, danger, etc” (dictionary.com). In the book, Salvaging is like a ceremony where Handmaids and Wives are executed. Offred thinks that the Handmaid tried to kill her Commander or the Commander's Wife. Offred says the Wives get salvaged for trying to kill a Handmaid, adultery or trying to escape. This is ironic because a salvaging is supposed to be a good thing. The meaning of salvaging is to save anything from danger. In the "Salvagings", people are being executed. I find it ironic that the name of the execution is "Salvaging", yet the word "salvaging" means saving from danger.
“Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder” (Atwood 262)
ReplyDeleteThis quote shows the irony towards the role of the Handmaids in the Gilead society. Before Offred is about to have sex with the Commander, herself and the Commander both say that “abstinence makes the heart grow fonder” (262). Abstinence means not to have any sex until you are married, which is why your heart grows fonder for the one you love instead of rushing into a physical relationship. This is ironic because Offred is saying this before having sex with the Commander. However, she clearly can’t let her heart grow fonder of him due the routinely ceremonies where the Handmaids must contributed to sexual activity therefore showing that women in the Gilead society are not inferior to men.
"And what's a nice girl like me doing in a spot like this" (Atwood 262)
ReplyDeleteThis is ironic because in Offred is not "nice". In this case, nice doesn't mean polite but someone who follows the rules. It can be ironic in two ways- one, if Offred is nice you wouldn't expect her to be in that spot. On the other hand, we know she is not nice so it is unexpected to call herself that. When she says this, she has a sense of humor and sarcasm which adds to the definition of irony. Women in the Gilead are not allowed to have any sexual relations with anyone but the Commander (if you would even call it sexual relations with their circumstances). Offred is with Nick, who is a Guardian. This is ironic because what she is doing is unexpected of a Handmaid who would follow the rules. Offred's use of sarcasm had irony in it when she called herself "nice".
for the writing homework do we have to explain or prove anything or just list it
ReplyDeleteI realized that I did the wrong topic when I posted my blog, so here’s the continuation:
ReplyDelete“Women’s Salvagings are not frequent. There is less need for them. These days we are so well behaved” (Atwood 273).
This shows an irony in the women’s role in the Gilead society. When Offred said “we”, she meant all the Handmaids. This is ironic because Offred herself has been having sex with the Commander, Nick and sneaking out of the Household. She broke so many rules/laws that can have her punished. Offred also says that they are “well behaved.” It’s ironic for her to say that because when someone behaves, they are doing as they are told. Offred is a Handmaid; she is only supposed to have sex with the Commander during the Ceremony. She is also not allowed to leave the Household but she does. She also has sex with Nick, a guardian which is not allowed. She broke so many rules and yet she says that “we are so well behaved.”
“The three bodies hang there…Today’s Salvaging is now concluded” (277)
ReplyDeleteI find this extremely ironic. The Gilead society doesn’t have a salvaging very often, but it still happens. The irony to me is when I remembered in the Bible, that when Jesus was crucified, there were two other people with him, similar to the way the three woman were hung. Salvaging by definition means to save something, Jesus died to save us from our sins, the women possibly died to save the handmaids. The Handmaids that were hung, were killed for crimes that were committed, but they’re actually saving the other Handmaids from death and possibly freedom in the future. It’s ironic how this entire society follows the Christian bible, so there would be an understanding that people wouldn’t be killed in such an extreme way, but they still are for not following the rules. The society basically follows the ten commandments, and you’re allowed to repent your sins and be forgiven, but the opposite happens, death.
"There's a smear of blood across her cheek, and more of it on the white of her headdress. She's smiling, a bright diminutive smile. Her eyes have come loose." (280).
ReplyDeleteThis is ironic because a women with blood on her face would not be happy. However, Janine is smiling. She has blood on her cheek and on her headdress. Janine is happy because she got a "clump of blond hair" (280). Normally, when someone sees blood on them, they would panic. Janine does not panic, but smiles. Janine is cheerful rather than scared.
"Being here wit him is safety." (Atwood 269)
ReplyDeleteOffred visit Nick's room many times. She knows that it is forbidden for her to be with any man other than the Commanders she been assigned with. That was her role; to follow the rules in society and have the Commander's child. If she was spotted by anyone, she would be forced to go to the Colonies. It's ironic that she finds herself safe in Nick's arm because she is endangering herself just by being in the same room as Nick, alone together. It's also ironic that she feels safe with him when she knows that she's endangering both herself and Nick.
PeiQing Huang
ReplyDeleteIrony: "this is a betrayal" (263)
When Offred went to Nick for the first time, she said that she felt like she had betray Nick. However, after once, offred just go to Nick constantly without Serena Joy making her to or asking her to do so. This is ironic because offred had been saying how much she love Luke through out the story. Yet, Offred now is wanting to go to Nick and be with him. She doesn't even want to escape the society no more. It is ironic how Offred said she don't want to feel shame when she went to Nick for the first time. However, she is wanting to go because of her own desire now, and she don't think it is a shame at all. Offred had love Luke, but now Luke is "fading" in her head, and she think it would be fine to be with Nick (269). It is funny how Offred now want to make memories with Nick and forget about Luke when she said she loves Luke so much.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"I'm not sure how it happened; not exactly. All i can hope for is a reconstruction: the way love feels is always only approximate." (263)
ReplyDeleteI find that Offred not being able to remember how the ceremony went as an irony. In the last four pages, Offred speaks on her reconstruction. First, Offred gives the description of making love, and a romantic scenery. Then Offred states that the actual events went as if the Commander didn’t even want to bother with her. After that, Offred mentions that this was just the way that she wanted it to be, and that she doesn’t know how it went. In the Gilead society, the women role are to make babies. Having sex is viewed as a ceremony, and there is a big event with the actual birth. So, the ceremony is something that should be remembered. For Offred, the opposite occurs. Offred can't even connect the right events that occurred that night. She tries to fix the night to pleasure her own mind, which is a reconstruction. To conclude, the fact that Offred can't remember what happened during the ceremony is an irony.
"Even with the fan on, nothing moves, and the walls store up warmth, give it out like a used oven" (Atwood 259)
ReplyDeleteThis quote is ironic as this is not to be expected when a fan is on. A fan produces air and blows "cool" air around. If a fan is on, objects will move. Also, the walls would'nt begin to warm up like an oven as the conditions should get cooler.
It is ironical how Offred has adapted Jezebel influence. She has made it a routine to pleasure nick after seeing the commander. Even though she found out she was being used to be kept protected she changed (262). Offred would have never slept with multiple men but now she has desired love(268) which has made her a slut. In addition Nick told Offred there was no romance between them yet Offred still risks being caught when going to see him.
ReplyDelete-Jon Castillo
“I take the cigarette from him, draw deeply in, hand it back.” (Atwood 261)
ReplyDeleteThis quote is ironic because smoking cigarette contradict Offred main goal which is having a baby. The reason Offred went inside room with the mysterious person, Nick (according to Robert’s post), was to make a baby. Offred hoped to have intercourse with Nick to make a baby. It was ironic when Offred took Nick’s cigarette and inhaled it. Smoking damages the human body especially if someone is pregnant. Smoking can damage the lungs, heart, etc. Offred wanted to have a baby and she should have done it without inhaling the cigarette because that would decrease her chances in having one.
“The fact is that I no longer want to leave, escape, cross the border to freedom.” (Atwood 271)
ReplyDeleteBefore, Offred wanted to escape Gilead. She did not like all the routines and laws in Gilead but now she wants to stay. It is ironic how she now wants to stay because she wants to be with Nick. She believes that she has found love with Nick. She wanted to be like Moira and her Mom and rebel but like them, Offred gave in. She wanted to be rebellious like how Moira and her mother were but they gave up. Moira became a prostitute and her mother became an Unwoman in the Colonies. Like them, Offred gave in and decided to stay in Gilead.
Jennifer Tufino
ReplyDelete“..but I go through the ritual politeness of asking. It makes me feel more in control” (269)
Although Offred is going against the rules, she is taking a chance in going to see Nick every night.Offred follows through with the routine and does it anyway similarly to her routine with the Commander. It’s ironic how Offred feels “in control” going to Nick. If she was really “in control” as she feels she is, Nick would be going to her and it wouldn’t be the other way around. In a way Offred asks for permission every time she comes to Nick which demonstrates how in reality he’s more in control of the situation and of what went on. This refers to the role of women in the Gilead because in some way they are in control when it comes to reproducing a child. And as Offred said, Nick could’ve just denied her entrance and not agreed with these meetings every night. It’s ironic yet funny at the same time because Offred felt she had power but in reality Nick did.
Jared Elraheb
ReplyDelete“It’s ladies instead of girls because of the Wives.” (Atwood 274)
This quote would be considered ironic because all of the women at the Salvaging are middle aged and none of them would be considered girls. We would expect that the women in the Gilead society would be treated with respect and would not be called girls at all. But, the Handmaids’ at the Salvaging are considered girls and the Wives are considered ladies based on their social status. Girls would be considered inexperienced at life and would be considerably younger than ladies. But, the Handmaids’’ in the Gilead society are mature, aged, and obedient. This shows that the role of women determines the way certain groups in the Gilead are referred to as. The Handmaids’ would be called girls and the Wives’ would be called ladies. Therefore, it is ironic that two separate social groups of women that are both around the same age, experience, and maturity are referred to as two separate age groups of women.
"The fact is that I no longer want to leave, escape, cross the border to freedom. I want to be here, with Nick, where I can get at him" (Atwood 271)[Irony]
ReplyDeleteThis is ironic because Offred is starting to feel true emotions for someone other than the Commander. The irony in this is that she is only to supposed to be with the Commander, yet she has found true feelings for someone else. Nick gives her a feeling like no other man has before, not even the Commander. Showing how this quote is ironic because Offred is beginning to show true emotions when she is supposed to be emotionless.
Charlie Perez
ReplyDelete"the Commander is no longer of immediate interest to me" (270).
In this part of the story, Offred had started to meet with Nick in his room after meeting with the Commander. She had lost interest in the Commander and started to care about Nick. THe difference this time is that Offred immediately has feelings for Nick, while she never really had much feelings for the Commander. This phrase is ironic because, earlier in the story, she showed interest over the Commander but found Nick as a sort of creep. THen, Offred showed more interest in the Commander, and didn't think about Nick much. Now, Offred shows a lot of interest in Nick and could care less about the Commander. It's also ironic based on the fact that the most important person in a Handmaid's life is supposed to be the Commander. This is because he is the head of the household, and he is the one who provides the sperm for the Handmaid's eggs to make a child. But in this case, the Commander was pretty far from the most important person in Offred's life.
Daniela I believe it was Serena Joy who came to Offred.
ReplyDelete"In order to do this I became reckless, I took stupid chances."(268)
ReplyDeleteThis line is very ironic. She speaks of her becoming reckless and making stupid decisions but the ironic part is that she's been reckless for a while now. Offred thinks that being with Nick is reckless but the truth is that Offred has been with the commander for a while now that has to be the riskiest thing she's done in the book.
Hadeel had a hard time getting onto the website; here’s her response –
ReplyDeleteHadeel Ayesh
“Three bodies hang there, even with white sacks over their heads…and the sacks could be a kind of dance, a ballet…” (277)
It’s ironic because she says that it looked like a ballet even though they’re bodies hanging on the wall. Offred sees them as a ballet because they are on display and if it wasn’t for the sacks and ropes they are hanging on, it’d look like they were doing a dance. This is ironic because although this is a tragic because the people hanged are dead, Offred sees them as a positive thing, a dance.
Ken Li
ReplyDelete" ... She wants it all right, that baby." (259)
This line is ironic because before Offred said this, Serena Joy planned to go somewhere with Offred. Offred waits for Serena Joy until midnight and usually at midnight, people goes to clubs and bars. Pretty much, I expect that they are going to the Jezebel's or other club. I thought they might have probably go to the club, but Serena Joy end up wanting a baby. This is ironic because I thought Serena Joy have different kinds of plans arranged, but in the end her plan is to go get pregnant or a baby somewhere. I did not expect that Serena Joy to plan this out. This makes this line ironic. The roles of the women is to have a baby, because Serena Joy plans this arrangements yet all she wants to do is to get a baby. This shows that a woman's role is to reproduce for the society. This line shows a woman's role through irony.
Irony:
ReplyDelete"He on the other hand talks little: no more hedging or jokes. He barely asks questions. He seems indifferent to most of what I have to say, alive only to the possibilities of my body" (270).
“The fact is that I no longer want to leave, escape, cross the border to freedom. I want to be here with Nick, where I can get at it” (Atwood 271)
Ever since Serena Joy set Nick and Offred up to conceive,Offred has attained feelings for Nick and has took it upon herself to continue visiting him. Not only has Offred secretly been meeting Nick, but she is still engages with the Commander as well. It is ironic that Offred likes Nick so much considering how he shows no mutual lust for her and seems to be only interested in her body. Offred often goes off on tangents about how times have changed and how women are only valued now for their ovaries, it is ironic that she continues to like and visit Nick when he is proving this concept entirely true. Liking Nick in the first place is ironic as well. Nick as opposed to the Commander does not go out of his way to comfort or connect with Offred. The Commander showed interest in Offred and put his position at high risk when being with her. Normally a person would find these qualities attractive but Offred continues to like Nick despite his lack of interest towards her, which makes this relationship ironic. It is also completely ironic that Offred is willing to stay in Gilead in order to be with Nick. Throughout most of the book, Offred thinks of ways to escape and claims she will get out of Gilead one day. It is ironic that Offred is willing to give up all of her hopes and dreams of creating a new life to be with a man who is not that interested in her.
Jia Wen Cao
ReplyDelete"Nevertheless it hurts me to tell it over, over again. Once was enough: wasn't once enough for me at the time? But I keep on going with this sad and hungry and sordid, this limping and mutilated story, because after all I want you to hear it" (268).
In chapter fourty-one, Offred talks to the reader saying she doesn't like telling the story over and over. She talks to the reader for the first time, right after the first night with Nick. It's a fact Offred has went through many unfortunate events and decisions; however, she continues to tell her story because she wants to hear her reader's story. This is ironic because, normally, someone that has gone through so much struggles would give up and try to forget about everything unhappy. Offred, on the other hand does the complete opposite, even though she has once said she doesn't know how to live on, she continues her story, her life. She does this because she wants to hear her listener's story. This is ironic because even though she doesn't want to continue her sad story because it pains her, she does it anyways. This shows that the life of a women in Gilead was harsh and awful because Offred said she this story pains her whenever she tells it, but as a woman of Gilead, she wants her listener to know the reality of Gilead. She desires others to understand the life of a woman in Gilead. This is ironic because a woman's life in Gilead is so awful, normally someone woudl want to forget about all those horrible memories, but Offred wants her listener to know all about her life.
Juan D. Garcia
ReplyDelete"The fact is that I no longer want to leave, escape, cross the border to freedom. i want to be here, with Nick, where I can get at him" (271)
This is an ironic moment in the book because Offred confesses that she does not want to leave the Gilead society and that she actually wants to stay. Throughout he whole book offred wishes to escape the Gilead society. She expresses her thoughts as wanting to run away from this place. However, now Offred finally wants to stay here with Nick and it doesn't matter if she gets caught being with him. Offred still believes that this society is a flawed and that its laws are very strict and prompt on women. However, after the last couple of nights, Offred begins to break some rules and she begins to have more liberty. She begins to do a little more than what she couldn't used to do before. Now she goes to clubs, gets with other men, and now she is with Nick. Because of this, Offred begins to have more freedom which means she is also getting more power. Because of the power that she is receiving she now believes that the society is less stricter. This causes her to want to stay in the Gilead society and be with Nick.
Hey! Do you guys notice that there is a nature metaphor there???
ReplyDeleteThis comment is just for the fun of it.
Taylor Capone-
ReplyDelete"...it has been the custom to precede the actual Salvaging with a detailed account of crimes...(275)".
In chapter 42, Atwood describes a traditional ritual of Women's Salavaging. Handmaids report to the lawn. There, a stage, rope and red velvet cushions are placed(273). Aunt Lydia stands on the stage announcing those who have committed a crime of some sort(274) The purpose of a Salavage is to punish those who have broken the rules of the Gilead. This is believe to be irony because Gilead is known to be a Utopia meanwhile Handmaids and a Wive have committed a specific crime in which they must pay the price for; they are hung by the Salvagers. The Gilead falls under a specific protocol in which the handmais, wives, guardians and angels must obey to. Those who disobey the rules are therefore punished. This has shown Gilead to be flawed society b/c those who break the rules are not committed there lives to the Gilead Society.
"She wants it all right, that baby. I see the two of a blue shape, a red shape, in a brief glass eye(259)"
In this quote, "she: is refering to Serena Joy. In this chapter, Atwood describes Serena Joy helping Offred sneak into NIck's room late at night(260-61) This is shown to be irony b/c Serena Joy is going against the Gilead society and disobeying the rules the Gilead society falls under. In other words, by sneaking Offred into Nick;s room w/o the Commander's permission she is going against her rights as a Wive. Gilead is known to be a Utopia but meanwhile Serena Joy goes against these rights which shows Gilead to be flawed.
John Cruz
ReplyDelete"I smell the smoke on him, in the warm air of the room, all over. I'd like to take off my cloth, bathe in it, rub it all over my skin." (Atwood 261)
The smoke from the cigarette that Nick was smoking, was craved by Offred. Similar to what John Huang said its ironic that her goal is to get pregnant yet smoking causes pregnancy problems. It is ironic but i believe that the word cigarette holds a meaning. The word Cigarette first was introduced being smoke by Serena Joy. Cigarettes is forbidden to be used in Gilead. Serena Joy is seen smoking so the reader can see she does not embrace Gilead. Offred does not embrace Gilead. She wants a baby and that is what the Gilead society demands of the women. Atwood could bring up that Offred likes the smoke to remind the reader she still does not embrace Gilead. Offred wants a baby, yet she wants to smoke, she is also having sex with Nick which is disobeying the rules of Gilead. The irony is that Offred wants a baby but likes to smoke, and the irony is used to remind the reader that Offred does not embrace Gilead.
"Janine. There's a smear of blood across her cheek, and more of it on the white of her headdress. She's smiling, a bright diminutive smile. Her eyes have come loose.
ReplyDelete"Hi there," she says. "How are you doing?" She's holding something, tightly, in her right hand. It's a clump of blond hair. She gives a small giggle" (Atwood 281)
This quote is quite large. Partially because it's necessary for the context, and, as Moira put it, I shat bricks.
This quote is ironic because Janine is the renowned crybaby of all the Handmaids. She cried every night at the Red Center and did not stop complaining or crying. During the salvaging, she cried when the women were hanged. She is supposedly harmless and fragile. However, when the Handmaids are let loose to kill the political, she goes insane. Her blood thirst was never so obvious before. No one would expect someone who cries about everything to brutally rip out a beaten man's hair and beat him further to the point where his blood would splatter on her cheek. Janine is unexpectedly sadistic. Perhaps, this is the result of her rape. In the Red Center, she tells everyone that she was raped. Everyone chants "Her fault" and "Crybaby" in unison. This is her indirect revenge against her rapist because Aunt Lydia said that the man was a Guardian who raped a Handmaid at gunpoint. This is her moment of power, and she will act on it. Not to mention she is insanely delusional and walks away in a trance, like how she thought she was working at her old cafe in the Red Center. No one would expect her insanity to go this far.
Oh god this book just became awesome.
Shelly Guan—
ReplyDelete1. “She’s here at midnight, as she said she’d be. I can hear her, a faint tapping, a faint shuffling on the muffling rug of the corridor, before her light knock comes…She can walk faster, she’s stronger than I thought. Her left hand clamps the banister, in pain maybe but holding on, steadying her. I think: she’s biting her lip, she’s suffering. She wants it all right, that baby.” (259)
2. “I did not do it for him, but for myself entirely” (268) “Neither of us say the word love” (270)
1. It is ironic that the Commander’s Wife is named Serena Joy. Within her name, the word “joy” means blissful and happiness. As a Commander’s Wife, she cannot reproduce like a Handmaid. This does not make Serena Joy happy at all because she is the one who wants to give birth. She wants her own baby badly. She can’t get what she really wants that will bring her true joy. In this scene, Serena is not very joyful. In fact, she’s in great pain just walking towards Offred’s room. She doesn’t have the power anymore to travel around, which may symbolize her true power as an individual. Serena Joy is trying her best to keep going, but she is struggling for joy. Serena Joy’s struggle is to help herself become happy. She wants a baby badly. Although she is trying to help Offred get a baby, she can still never give birth to one herself. This is why Serena Joy will never be truly “joyful”.
2. Offred, on the other hand, is trying to become an individual. It’s ironic how Offred likes to have sex with Nick, but not with the Commander. Although she was supposed to have sex with Nick only once, she continuously does it several times with him. It’s all purely for herself. Nick is an object she can use and possess. She has sex with him because it isn’t her job. It’s become her personal hobby. This is under her freewill and she chooses to be with Nick. The only thing is that neither Nick nor Offred call it love. They’re not allowed to and Offred can’t keep Nick forever. Nick is her satisfaction. He is just a temporary piece of entertainment.
This irony shows how women in each role cannot be satisfied in the Gilead Society. The goal of this society is to stop women from being tempted, but all women want something in their possession. It’s all a game of cat and mouse, no woman can get the mouse of their taste. Even as highest women in the household, the Commander’s Wife is not happy. Her job is to be the Commander’s Wife for the title and nothing more. Serena Joy cannot be happy although she tries very hard to be a true mother. As a Handmaid, they don’t have much of a choice. They want more in their life rather than just reproducing. Offred has sex with Nick to satisfy herself, not anyone else. She wants something to make herself happy.
Danny Perez
ReplyDelete"I could squirt it into a bottle and you could pour it in" (261).
"Once was enough: wasn't once enough for me at this time?" (267)
ReplyDeleteOffred does not want to continue with her story that is full of pain. A "sad, hungry, and sordid, this limping a mutilated story." This shows the irony because although Offred said,"once was enough" she continues with her story even though it kills her to keep going on. The quote also shows the irony between Offred and Nick. Offred had sex with Nick once, and too her once once wasn't enough since she kept returning to Nick and having sex with him, which is also what her story is about.
Danny Perez
ReplyDelete"I could squirt it into a bottle and you could pour it in" (261).
PART 2:
The person, who said this comment to Offred, was Nick. Nick is the man who is a Guardian and pervious chapters, would try to get to Offred. Nick would flirt or touch her (by the feet). It was thought that Nick would desire to have sex with Offred. Now that he has Offred in secret and in his room and alone, it is awkward to both of them being alone. What makes ironic is this comes out of Nick, who might be in love with Offred. The Commander didn’t think twice of having sex with Offred alone in the hotel which shows a desire to be with a woman, all to him. Also Nick knows what might be really going on with the Commander and Offred showing that ne might feel that Offred is just using him to get pregnant faster. When Nick said squirt in a bottle mean that he would masturbate showing that he is afraid of having sex with Offred or that he is following the rules and showing he is not ready to have sex. The Gilead law never said that one can’t have self pleasure. Nick shows Offred that he might not desire sex which makes this unexpected because Serena Joy paid him.
Kiara Roman
ReplyDeleteSince Serena Joy is helping her shouldn't this be ironic. I thought this was ironic because the wife is supposed to just stay home and please their husband. The wives are not supposed to be independent like the males of the society. All the women are basically under the control of men. Serena Joy was very independent before she was forced to be a house wife and now she is becoming independent again because shes taking action and helping offred get pregnant. She is also a good lier (260).
Another irony,a handmaid is supposed to be pure and fertile. Offred states "I smell the smoke on him, in the warm air of the room, all over. I'd like to take off my clothes, bathe in it, rub it over my skin." (261) It's very ironic how she would say this if she is a handmaid who is supposed to be good and stay away from Adultery and only have a baby with the commander. This is why Janine's baby was punished.
Just to say, the salvaging sounds as though it is an Inquisition form the Medieval era.
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know.
"These days we are so well behaved" (273).
ReplyDeleteThis quote is ironic because the Handmaids are supposedly well behaved yet after the Women's Salvaging, they gathered around in a circle and beat up a man. The Handmaids growled and yelled like animals as they attacked him and Offred described the scene as "Barbarism". She was shocked, outraged and nauseated by how the Handmaids were acting. The Handmaids that were supposedly well behaved turned out to be animals.
Just to say, Robert,
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us know.
Vicky Zheng
ReplyDelete"You will wait until I blow the whistle. After that, what you do is up to you, until I blow the whistle again. Understood?" (278).
It is ironic for Aunt Lydia to say this to a group of women who she has taught and reeducated to be well behaved women who just have children. Although she forbids women from being with a man, falling in love and living a happy life; she allows them to rip a man to shreads. Men are suppose to be in charge of the Gilead society and yet the person being killed was a Guardian who has power over the Handmaids. It was ironic that a Guardian was killed by Handmaids, who have no power; and that Aunt Lydia, who is suppose to teach holy things, ordered them to.
However, there was a justification to this.
They turned the Guardian into an "it" (280). This references back to page 192 where it discusses how Luke had to kill the cat and in order to do so, he had to turn the cat into an "it" first. "It" can be anything and be replace anything, it takes away idenities. In order to jusifty both the Guardian's death and the cat's death, they both had to be turned into "it"s so that they would have no significance. This is ironic because the only time that you would need to justify yourself is when you have done something wrong. Gilead is supposed to be a utopia where nothing wrong happens. However, it is clearly not therefore making the entire society ironic.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAnna Liang
ReplyDeleteIrony:
“No romance,’ he says. ‘Okay?’…It means: don’t risk yourself for me, if it should come to that” (Atwood 262).
This is ironic because even though Nick says “no romance”, Nick is going against his own words. Nick and Offred are having romance, especially Offred. Offred thought that “it would only be once” after the arrangement of Serena Joy. But Offred went did the opposite, Offred did not stop. Offred wanted more; she wanted Nick more than the Commander. Offred IS developing ROMANCE with Nick, while Nick says “no romance.” It is also ironic how Nick had hugged Offred when she cried, romance does not necessarily have to be “romantic feelings”, but romance can also be anything involved with emotions. While Offred is crying, she is showing emotion, and therefore Nick hugs her; very ironic. Even though Nick says “no romance”, Offred on the other side is having romance with Nick. It showed that Offred was being “romantic” and was having romance with Nick when she says she wants to “feel” him, see his face, and everything about his body. It also showed a sign of romance when they were touching each other, like Offred placing Nick’s hand on her belly.
"I want to be here, with Nick, where I can get at him" (271).
ReplyDeleteThis quote is ironic because it goes against everything Offred used to think about society and Nick. There are many times in the story where Offred wished she could have left the Gilead and go somewhere else where she could be free. Nick always winked and touched Offred when no one was looking and Offred always avoided him because she was scared of breaking the laws of Gilead. Offred was forced by Serena Joy to have sex with Nick once to try and a conceive a baby but now she visits Nick daily just for sex, regardless of the chance of being caught and killed. She no longer thinks of sex as a job but as something passionate. Its ironic because her job as a handmaid is to have sex as a job to conceive a baby with the Commander but she no longer cares for the Commander or the rules. Offred risks everything just to be with Nick. She no longer cares about the rules, the Commander, or anything else just to be with someone she didn't even risk looking at before.
James Chen
ReplyDelete"I made that up. It didn't happen that way." (261)
I find it ironic that Offred fantasized about sex, when she could simply ask for sex from the Commander. I also find it ironic that she seems to be much more passionate (sexually) towards nick then the commander. Offred doesn't even know Nick. All she knows about him is that Nick likes her! The Commander on the other hand seems to have a much better relationship with Offred.
Offred's role in society is to reproduce. The commander has a ceremony to make the magic happen. Offred's role is shaken by the fact that she is going to get pregnant by the commander's driver. The commander is suppose to be sterile obviously he isn't. If nick where sterile he would have been a commander. Nick is a guardian, not a commander. The ironic thing is that Offred's role isn't really being fulfilled. Ind the end the job still gets done.
Richard Gobin
ReplyDeleteIrony:
"You come here often?"(Atwood 262).
This is very Ironic when Nick says it. They both knew why Offred was in Nick's apartment. She was there to have sex with him to see if she can produce a baby from him. Serena Joy thought this might work, because she thinks the commander is sterile. So both Offred, and Nick are in his apartment, and Nick says this quote. This is very Ironic, because Nick is never usually sarcastic, or funny. Usually on television we see that line in a skit where the people of the show are in a club. This is Ironic, because they are in Nicks apartment, which is the farthest thing away from a club. This is how this quote is Ironic.
Brandon Acosta
ReplyDeleteDouble Entendre/ Irony
"A power failure" (259)
To understand the irony, first the double meaning must be understood. Offred is referring to a pwer failure that has to do with electricity. However, there's also a failure in the "power" or the higher classes of the Gilead. That's the second meaning.
The second meaning shows irony because the Gilead is supposed to be a Utopia. The people that have power don' follow all the rules though. For example, the Commander has power, especially in his household. If the Gilead was a Utopia, there would be no need to break the rules. But, the "power" does break the rules and that's because they fail in keeping the Gilead's rules in check. The irony is that in Utopia, you expect the "power" to be the one keeping order and following the rules, but the "power" in the Gilead do not follow the rules. This regards the role of women because the "power" is supposed to makes sure that the handmaids are living up to their role and not breakin any rules, but the people who have power are helping Offred break the rules.
Oh, the irony.