Serena Joy

• Who is Serena Joy in Gilead?

  Wife of the Commander
• What role do Wives have in Gilead compared to Handmaids?

  Wives have more freedom but are subordinate
• What was Serena Joy's profession before Gilead?

  Singer on a Christian television programme
• How does Serena Joy feel about her role as a housewife?

  She is clearly unhappy in her role
• How does Serena Joy's character reflect hypocrisy?

  She oppresses women despite advocating for them
• What does Offred hope Serena Joy would be like?

  Like an older sister or motherly figure
• What does Serena Joy's character demonstrate about women in Gilead?

  Women can support patriarchy and oppress others
• What is the significance of Serena Joy's name?

  • Suggests peace and joy
  • Ironically, she embodies neither
• How does Atwood connect Serena Joy to the Virgin Mary?

  Through her blue clothing and symbolism
• What color does Serena Joy wear, and what does it symbolize?

  Blue, symbolizing purity and serenity
• What does Serena Joy's garden symbolize?

  Fertility, violence, and power
• What flowers does Serena Joy grow in her garden?

  Red tulips
• How does Atwood use the color red in relation to Serena Joy's garden?

  Symbolizes both fertility and violence
• What does Offred compare the blood on executed bodies to?

  The tulips in Serena Joy's garden
• What does the Ceremony involve?

  Impersonal sex for procreation purposes
• How does Serena Joy react during the Ceremony?

  She often cries during it
• How does Serena Joy view Offred during the Ceremony?

  As a villain and a necessity
• What are the key characteristics of Serena Joy?

  1. Lack of empathy
  2. Hypocritical
  3. Unlikeable
• How does Serena Joy's lack of empathy manifest in her actions?

  She resents Offred for her fertility
• What does Serena Joy's hypocrisy reveal about her character?

  She preaches traditional values but breaks rules
• How is Serena Joy characterized compared to the Commander?

  She is always an antagonist
• What does Atwood suggest about societal judgment of women through Serena Joy?

  Women are judged harsher than men
• What societal context influenced Serena Joy's character?

  • 1980s backlash against feminism
  • Women leaders of anti-feminist movements
• Who is Phyllis Schlafly?

  A conservative activist opposing feminism
• What did Schlafly argue against the Equal Rights Amendment?

  It would harm older, middle-class women
• How does Schlafly's position reflect hypocrisy?

  She opposes women's rights despite being a woman
• Who is Tammy Faye Bakker?

  A conservative television personality
• What does Bakker's rise to fame signify?

  Acceptance of televangelists in society
• How does Atwood view televangelists?

  As a dangerous influence on culture
• What are the key characteristics of Serena Joy's personality?

  • Callous and lacking empathy
  • Hypocritical in her beliefs
  • Always portrayed as unlikeable
• How does Serena Joy treat Offred upon her arrival?

  As a business transaction necessity
• What does Serena Joy do after realizing the Commander is likely infertile?

  Uses Offred's loss to get a child
• What does Atwood suggest about women who enforce traditional values?

  They threaten women's equality
• What is the significance of Offred's relationship with Serena Joy?

  It highlights women's adversarial roles
• What are the key moments involving Serena Joy in the story?

  1. Offred meets Serena Joy
  2. The Ceremony takes place in her bedroom
• What does Offred recognize Serena Joy from?

  A Sunday-morning religious television programme
• How does Serena Joy's view of Offred affect their relationship?

  She sees Offred as a necessity and a rival
• What does the Ceremony symbolize in Gilead?

  Impersonal procreation and oppression
• How does Serena Joy's character contribute to Gilead's success?

  By oppressing other women and enforcing patriarchy
• What does Atwood imply about women who support patriarchal values?

  They can be more dangerous than men