Moira

• Who is Offred's best and oldest friend?

  Moira
• How does Moira's character challenge Gilead's norms?

  She is outspoken, rebellious, and a lesbian
• What role does Moira serve for Offred?

  She is Offred's moral compass and source of hope
• In which locations do Moira and Offred meet?

  Red Centre and Jezebel's
• What does Moira's lesbian identity signify in the context of Gilead?

  • Rejection of heterosexual norms
  • Assertion of her right to love women
  • Visibility for LGBTQ+ issues in conservative society
• How does Atwood use Moira's character to comment on societal changes?

  • Reflects the acceptance of homosexuality in the 1970s
  • Highlights the push for gay rights and feminism
  • Represents resistance against conservative values
• What is one of Moira's central characteristics?

  Rebelliousness
• What happens to Moira after her first escape attempt?

  She is caught and tortured by the Aunts
• What does Aunt Lydia's quote about hands and feet signify?

  It shows the dehumanization of Handmaids
• How does Moira's successful escape attempt inspire other Handmaids?

  It shows they can reclaim their power
• What does Offred lose in the pre-Gilead era?

  Her job and access to bank accounts
• What does Moira's intuition about Gilead signify?

  Her ability to recognize early warning signs
• How does Moira help Janine at the Red Centre?

  She slaps her to bring her back to reality
• Where does Offred see Moira working later in the story?

  At Jezebel's
• What does Moira's resignation at Jezebel's signify?

  Gilead's oppression can break anyone's will
• How do Moira and Offred's character evolutions differ?

  • Offred evolves from resignation to empowerment
  • Moira evolves from rebellion to resignation
  • Highlights the impact of Gilead's oppression
• How does Aunt Lydia's character function in relation to Moira?

  She is a foil to Moira's rebellious nature
• What internal conflict does Offred face regarding Aunt Lydia and Moira?

  Submission versus staying true to herself
• What does Aunt Lydia encourage the Handmaids to do?

  Become complacent and accept their fate
• What does Moira's desire to tell her escape story symbolize?

  Hope for female autonomy and independence
• What does Moira's ambiguous ending represent?

  • Ongoing fight against oppression
  • Need for self-resistance
  • Symbolizes hope amidst despair