Chapter 44
English Lit: Edexcel A Level The Handmaid's Tale, topic 2.14.4
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.
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.
"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.
"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.