2.14.4

Chapter 44

Test yourself

Chapter 44 - Summary and Key Quotations

After lunch, Offred goes out as normal to meet Ofglen to do her shopping. But Offred is met by a new Handmaid, also named Ofglen. She has no knowledge of where the old Ofglen has gone.

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Ofglen's end

  • Not sure whether she can trust this new Handmaid, Offred subtly mentions "May-day" but the new Ofglen does not understand the reference.
  • Offred realises that if Ofglen has been replaced, she might also be in danger.
  • As Offred leaves the new Ofglen, she finds out that the old Ofglen committed suicide when she saw a black van coming to collect her.
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"She isn't Ofglen"

  • "She isn't Ofglen ... I am Ofglen"
    • A few hours after her death, Ofglen is replaced. This shows how quickly and efficiently Gilead eliminates subversive elements.
  • "May the Lord open ... Which I receive with joy"
    • Gilead gets rid of all meaningful dialogue by making the Handmaids speak in Biblical lines.
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"I'll incriminate anyone"

  • "ll say anything they like, I'll incriminate anyone"
    • Offred's desperation recalls Winston's panic in Orwell's 1984 in ‘Room 101'. This is the room where people face their worst nightmares.
    • The Party threaten Winston with the idea of a cage of rats gnawing his face off. Out of fear, he becomes willing to incriminate anyone.

Jump to other topics

1Author Background

1.1Margaret Atwood

2Chapter Summaries

3Dedications & Epigraph

3.1Dedications & Epigraph

4Context

5Narrative Structure & Literary Techniques

6Themes & Imagery

7Characters

8Readings

8.1Readings of The Handmaid's Tale

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