We learn more about the Commander himself in these chapters. From chapter 29 specifically, we know now that although the Commander wants to make life bearable for Offred out of some feeling of “guilt,” he still doesn’t seem to care for the handmaids enough to not put them in danger. In fact, Offred reads no sadness or remorse on his face as he talks about the previous handmaid as if he were talking about an old, dead dog. The Commander undoubtedly puts Offred's life at stake for no reason other than alleviation of guilt and a little intimacy.
This coldness continues to show in the Commander as he talks about how the world is better now than it was in the “before times.” I personally think that his speech about women having to live up to impossible beauty standards (to placate men) is really interesting when put in front of the same types of arguments made by 1970s, second wave feminism that are brought up as a running theme in the book. Of course, the solutions proposed by the Gilead and by second wave feminists are radically different (freedom from and freedom to, as Aunt Lydia might say). Either way, we see a Commander who believes that a better life that “always means worse for some” must definitively mean subjugating and/or sending near half the population to their deaths.
Great take on the Commander--I was thinking the same thing, but didn't know how to phrase it! I definitely agree that he seems to be using Offred for emotional intimacy without any regard to her position in the household or in society at large. The consequences if Offred is caught are much greater than the consequences if the Commander is caught.
ReplyDeleteGood points, all. The Commander obviously has power, which means he could use this power to correct the wrongs done to those who don't have power. At the same time, having power means you have something to lose. Everything he says, even the things that seem reasonable, strike me as rationalization for the system that empowers him.
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