The Commander

The Commander

1. Change of Character

   • The Commander's character changes throughout the novel - a convention of the fantasy genre - as in the beginning he is powerful and oppressive, however when Offred realises she "had not been the first" Handmaid, and the previous one had committed suicide she realises "what I have on him is the possibility of my own death. What I have on him is guilt" showing a shift in power

2. His relationship with Offred

   • The Commander abuses his position in power to give Offred luxuries such as "hand lotion" and spend evenings playing scrabble. They satisfy each others needs for companionship, as his "wife doesn't understand him"
   • Despite providing this relief for Offred, he is still unaware of the oppresion the Handmaids face - he is naive - "You want my lfie to be bearable for me" shows his niavity as only someone who hasn't been deprived of freedom could imagine that he could create a bearable state of life for someone else. Chapter 25: "It wasn't the first time he agve evidence of being truly ignorant of the real conditions under which we lived"
   • Offred knows the danger she puts herself through by seeing the Commander, but the Commander is often ignorant to the consequences it could have, despite what happened with the previous Handmaid
   • Moira suggests it is a "power trip" and the Commander only sees Offred as a way of asserting his power, and his treats such as going to Jezebels is just a way of showing Offred that he is in charge

3. Role in Gilead

   • Represent the hierachy in society and he in power of Offred. He is described as "a midwestern bank president" showing his power and authoritative power in Gilead
   • His role is to impregnate the Handmaids, to provide a baby for the wives, this links to the fantasy element as it is a violation of what is possible in our society