Chapter 26
English Lit: Edexcel A Level The Handmaid's Tale, topic 2.10.2
Chapter 26 - Summary and Key Quotations
The next Ceremony date comes around. Offred admits that, because of her secret scrabble meetings with the Commander, she now feels more self-conscious when he is having sex with him in front of Serena Joy.
The Commander's mistress
- Offred thinks back to the film about the SS Officer. She feels like she is now the Commander's mistress.
- Even though she is just being used for her fertility, Offred feels like she is now worth more to the Commander because of their secret meetings, which makes her feel a slight sense of happiness.
Key quotations
- "I also felt guilty about her. I felt I was an intruder, in a territory that ought to have been hers.”
- Offred's guilt is about Serena Joy's position as the Wife during sex.
- "From the way I was speaking to him"
- Offred is breaking out of what has been a predominantly silent state up to this point.
Key quotations (cont.)
- "To him I am not merely empty"
- Offred's relationship with the Commander has changed drastically. She is regaining some self-worth and individuality.
Test yourself on Chapter 26
What has Offred started to feel self-conscious about by Chapter 26?
Complete the quotation:
"To him I am not merely ____"