In Margaret Atwood’s A Handmaid’s Tale, the protagonist, Offred, is walking home with another handmaid named Ofglen. Handmaids aren’t allowed to have normal conversations; instead, only exchanging polite greetings and simple needs. When Ofglen beings talking to Offred and asking questions that would be considered treason, Offred is taken aback before responding. After the conversation the two discuss how they thought the other was a “true believer”.
“I thought you were a true believer,” Ofglen says.
“I thought you were,” I say.
“You were always so stinking pious.”
“So were you,” I reply. I want to laugh, shout, hug her.
“You can join us,” she says.
“Us?” I say, There is an us then, there’s a we. I knew it.
“You didn’t think I was the only one,” she says.
I didn’t think that. It occurs to me that she may be a spy, a plant, set to trap me; such is the soil in which we grow. (p. 194)
This exchange shows how isolated Offred has become from others, as well as how desperate she is for meaningful social interaction. Throughout the book the author has only given us moments of normality, this made me empathize much more with the protagonist as these brief occasions give both the reader and Offred hope for something better. However, constant fear that Ofglen may be a spy has made it hard for Offred to fully trust her, allowing some of the social isolation to remain.
The attention to detail in this IRJE is extremely commendable, good job kate!!