Chapter 21

English Lit: Edexcel A Level The Handmaid's Tale, topic 2.8.3

Chapter 21 - Summary and Key Quotations

This chapter focuses on the birth of Ofwarren's baby and the ritual of birthing in Gilead.

As the labour progresses, the Handmaids chant. Offred uses this moment of noise to secretively ask another Handmaid whether she has seen Moira or not.
As Ofwarren gets closer to giving birth, the Wife of Warren comes into the room and sits behind her on a special birthing chair. Ofwarren gives birth to a baby girl who is cleaned and given to the Wife of Warren. The baby is named Angela and Ofwarren will breastfeed the baby until she is assigned to a brand new family.

Offred thinks back to her own daughter's birth and the joy it brought her.
After the birth, the Handmaids get back into the Birthmobile and are taken back their respective houses.

“Mother, I think. Wherever you may be. Can you hear me? You wanted a women's culture. Well, now there is one. It isn't what you meant, but it exists. Be thankful for small mercies.”
Offred's mother campaigned because she wanted women to be recognised in society. But in Gilead, women are only recognised for their wombs.