The Handmaid's Journey

Offred’s dissociation suggests that it’s her way of solidifying her chances of survival against the harsh society of Gilead which is important because in furthering her own continuity, she becomes averse to the idea of taking any risks that might harm those chances. This can be observed during the monthly ceremony performed with the commander and his wife. Although her eyes are tightly shut, Offred is describes the room in detail, especially the canopy that hangs above her, that it seems as though she is focusing on everything except what is being done to her. She states “one detaches oneself. One describes” (95). She is highly dissociated with it because she doesn’t discuss what she is feeling but instead tells you what is happening seemingly
Pollock explains that “when a trauma occurs sometimes this built-in system disconnects to a greater degree in an effort to protect the individual from traumatic material, body sensations, emotions, or memories that may be overwhelming. Offred again expresses her aversity to risky actions when she and the other Handmaid’s learn of Moira’s escape and capture. Offred describes how “[Moira] made us dizzy. Already we were losing the taste for freedom, already we were finding these walls secure” (133). The perilous escape made by Moira, the idea that someone dared to even try and was caught, scared Offred. She took that attempt in stride and completely put her off of trying anything because if Moira, someone who Offred admired for her strength and wit, couldn’t do it then how could she. Professor Drummond of Gresham University makes an excellent observation of how “a definite gain is often preferable to one that is merely probable, even though the latter is much more valuable.” In Offred’s case, she doesn’t want to risk losing security in the home that she has and while that seems nice freedom is the more valuable of the