The Handmaid's Tale - Book Report/Review Example

In short, the narrator explains the hardships faced by the womenfolk in the Republic of Gilead. Now, the story takes place in the present condition, in which Offred leads the life of a Handmaid. Besides, she came to realize the fact that she is not free. For instance, she is under a strict surveillance. The narrator makes clear that “Where I am is not a prison but a privilege, as Aunt Lydia said, who was in love with either/or” (8). But now, Offred knows that she cannot escape from her fate because she is selected as a Handmaid.

She tries her level best to create cordial relationship with Marthas (say, the workers), because she was not fond of gossiping, but fails. Later, she leaves the house for shopping, a routine job in her new life. While walking to the shop, Offred is totally immersed in the process of recollecting her past, which proves that she is afraid of the Commander’s Wife. Besides, Offred seems to be recollecting her past meetings with the Commander’s Wife. For instance, she recollects her encounter with the Commander’s Wife at her house.

Earlier, Offred was assigned as a handmaid, but did not prove to be successful. Now, she is expecting that the Commander’s Wife will be an entirely different woman. On the first day, the Commander’s Wife totally neglected her. . Later, Offred happens to see Nick, who is working under the Commander. The narrator makes clear that “He’s too casual, he’s not servile enough” (18). He tries to impress her, but she totally ignores him and waits for another Handmaid, named Ofglen. She appears and shares information on an ongoing war with the Baptist rebels.

Then, both the handmaids walk towards a checkpoint guarded by two young Guardians. Now, the narrator (Ofglen) recollects some facts about the Guardians, who seem to be cruel and dangerous. The narrator is aware of the sexual frustration felt by the Guardians because they are not allowed to involve in marital relationships. So, she tries to flirt with them. While shopping, Offred get immersed in memories about her past. The narrator states that “Luke and I used to walk together, sometimes, along these streets” (23).

During pre-Gilead days, the womenfolk were not allowed to enjoy freedom. Now, the situation is different and they can walk freely. Offred recollects that the freedom enjoyed by them in The Republic of Gilead is totally different from that of pre-Gilead days. At the shop, Offred happens to meet a pregnant Handmaid, named as Janine. This incident forces her to contemplate on her past life with her family. While returning back, both the women meet some international tourists. The tourists were curious to know that whether the women are able to feel happiness or not.

Then, Offred, who is afraid of the spies (Eyes), replies back that they are happy. While returning back to home, both the women decide to have a look on a former church, now transformed into a museum. Near the museum, there is another place where the bodies of the criminals are exhibited in public. This public exhibition is symbolic of the