Discussion Topic
Moira's Influence and Significance in "The Handmaid's Tale"
Summary:
In The Handmaid's Tale, Moira is pivotal as a symbol of rebellion and resistance against Gilead's oppressive regime. Her outspoken and politically aware nature contrasts with Offred's initial passivity. Moira's escape attempts and eventual forced prostitution highlight the regime's power to crush even the most rebellious spirits. Despite her ultimate defeat, Moira's courage inspires Offred to resist, reminding her of pre-Gilead freedoms and reinforcing her desire for rebellion and connection amidst the oppression.
What is the importance of Moira in The Handmaid's Tale?
Moira is important to show the difficulties in the resistance movement in totalitarianism.
She is sexually uninhibited in her homosexuality in a sexually repressed society, and is punished for it. It does not stop her resistance, and she tries to escape, but is mutilated.
She escapes again, and is forced into prostitution. Yet, through it all, she does not let them beat her into submission.
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How does Moira's presence and their shared past inspire Offred to rebel against Gilead in "The Handmaid's Tale"?
In chapter 13, Moira meets with Offred in the washroom, and Offred says that she feels "safer" with Moira being around. The two women form a bond. Moira reminding Offred of her past is really one of the earliest steps that both help and encourage Offred to rebel against the society of Gilead.
There are a few reasons why Offred feels safer and begins to think about rebellion. First, as in the old adage, there is safety in numbers. She and Moira have made...
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a connection, and so they are individuals to one another, not just reproductive vessels that are merely extensions of their commanders, as Gilead intends them to be. They have formed a female bond.
Secondly, she realizes that Moira feels the same way that she does. This validates her feelings and makes her feel less isolated. Specifically, when they first meet, Moira whispers,
This is a loony bin, Moira said.
I’m so glad to see you, I said.
Third, their forming a female bond leads her to think about her past, specifically about trying to get to safety. She recalls—or perhaps dreams— about dragging her daughter along, trying to escape Gilead's clutches.
Her friendship with Moira also makes her think about past pleasures, which helps pull her out of her lethargy. For instance,
God, do I need a cigarette, says Moira.
Me too, I say.
I feel ridiculously happy.
Gilead wants her and other handmaids to be lethargic. In fact, she even begins the chapter talking about how bored she is and muses,
But maybe boredom is erotic, when women do it, for men.