The Commander

• Who is the head of Offred's household?

  The Commander
• What is The Commander's real name?

  Fred
• How does Offred often refer to The Commander?

  As just The Commander
• How is The Commander depicted in the television show compared to the book?

  He is much younger in the show
• What perspective is The Commander described from in the book?

  Offred's perspective
• What is Atwood's intention regarding the sympathy for The Commander?

  It is meant to be deceptive
• What does The Commander represent in terms of oppression?

  He is directly responsible for Offred's oppression
• What does Atwood suggest about oppressors through The Commander's character?

  They often don't appear evil
• How does Atwood portray power dynamics through The Commander?

  • The Commander symbolizes power in Gilead
  • He breaks rules without repercussions
  • His character shows deceptive appearances
• What does The Commander's hubris lead to?

  His eventual downfall
• How does The Commander separate himself from oppression?

  By not acknowledging his role in it
• How does Offred perceive The Commander?

  As child-like or unthreatening
• What does the juxtaposition of The Commander's identities reveal?

  People capable of evil can be unassuming
• What political context influenced The Handmaid's Tale's publication?

  • Rise of religious conservatism in the 1980s
  • Ronald Reagan's influence on politics
  • Reflection of Atwood's views on politicians
• What identity do both The Commander and Ronald Reagan share?

  They are straight, white, able-bodied men
• How does Atwood depict villains in contrast to traditional portrayals?

  As well-groomed and unassuming
• What legislative agenda did far-right religious organizations promote in the 1980s?

  • Restoring organized prayer in schools
  • Opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment
  • Opposition to abortion rights
• What does the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) guarantee?

  Legal rights regardless of sex
• What was Ronald Reagan's stance on the ERA?

  He strongly opposed the measure
• What was the pro-choice movement's central idea?

  Women should choose pregnancy timing
• How is religion used in The Handmaid's Tale and US politics?

  • Justifies oppressive policies
  • Marginalizes women
  • Maintains patriarchy
• What is one of The Commander's primary ways of maintaining power?

  Through sexism
• How does The Commander view women?

  As inferior to men
• What is a key characteristic of The Commander?

  He is hypocritical
• How does The Commander benefit from Gilead's rules?

  He breaks them for personal gain
• What are key moments that highlight The Commander's character?

  • Breaking rules by visiting Offred
  • The Ceremony as a duty
  • Coercing Offred into activities
• What does Offred feel when The Commander breaks the rules?

  Threatened and unsure
• What does The Ceremony represent in Gilead?

  Dehumanizing and impersonal sex
• How does The Commander use his power during the first meeting with Offred?

  To coerce her into compliance
• What does playing Scrabble symbolize in Offred's life?

  A shift in power dynamics
• How does The Commander view the game of Scrabble?

  As a forbidden indulgence
• What does Offred recognize about her relationship with The Commander?

  It may allow her to gain power
• What does the phrase "Nolite te bastardes carborundorum" mean?

  Don't let the bastards grind you down
• What does Offred's inquiry about the phrase signify?

  Control over acts of resistance
• How does The Commander behave at Jezebel's?

  He flaunts his power and privilege
• What does Atwood demonstrate through the setting of Jezebel's?

  Power dynamics between men and women
• What hypocrisy is revealed about The Commander at Jezebel's?

  He violates Gilead's values while in power
• What does Offred express concern about regarding Jezebel's?

  That it is illegal
• What does Atwood demonstrate by mixing high-ranking men with sex workers at Jezebel's?

  The power dynamics between men and women
• How are men and women treated differently in Gilead according to Offred's observations?

  Men ignore rules; women face severe consequences