The Handmaid’s Tale is a dystopia of the future where all women’s power has been stripped away and left with a male dominant power structure. Throughout The Handmaid’s Tale, the theme of betrayal dominates the story. This is seen both in men betraying women, and also the reason for abandoning one’s sense of identity and past relationships. Gilead, as a result of society’s betrayal, has a new power hierarchy that forces handmaids to give in, thereby destroying their sense of self and relationships.
In a menage-trois dominated by power, she commits acts that make her feel both ashamed and uncomfortable. In order to remain alive, June follows orders without thinking about them. The stratification in Gilead changed during the time that June was called “Offred” to make room for an act that is deemed perfunctory and ashamed. The “Ceremony”, or as it’s called, has no emotion and is only there to fulfill a legal obligation. “What is being fucked is my lower body… This is not something I’ve signed up for. There was not much choice available, but I did choose this (94). This is the account June gave of her ceremony. It is what she lives by now. Already at this stage, June has created a new awareness of what is happening, realizing that it is nothing like the passionate sexual experience she had with Luke. Instead, this is just insemination. The entire community has changed its meaning and now sex is a monthly ritual. It’s serious business. The commander is also performing his duties” (94-95).
This is a major shift in society. Although nothing essential has been removed and procreation continues, what was removed may as well have a vital part of life. It’s without it that June, as well as the Commander, struggles to define boundaries and establish relationships. June is forced to go into the Commander’s office. He breaks all structure and rules by believing himself above the law. She has no other choice than to obey him. However, she could be killed if she does. Although June has no choice but to follow the Commander, the Commander sees it as more important to be with someone, because he knows the cycle of the handmaids is not going to end after June. The Commander wants something more intimate and real in his office, not sex. The Commander continues to kiss June each night as she visits him. Again, there’s that sheepish smile. What candor. He says, ‘Not that way.’ He was very sad. This glimpse of the Commander’s real desires reveals that, beyond being a corrupting official, he struggles to survive in this society filled with emptiness.
Serena Joy has no other purpose than to wait until a baby is born. She is completely dependent upon June, and her position in society hinges on the pregnancy. This creates a bizarre power dynamic. Serena Joy’s desperation leads her to suggest that June have sex in order to increase her chances. This shows how corrupt the society is, which was designed to be free from corruption. “This idea hangs above us almost visibly and almost palpably: dark, heavy, formless; collusion in some way, betrayal. It is ironic that the commander’s wife and her husband ask June to break rules. They could kill or betray her at any time. She has to decide whether she wants to follow society’s rules or obey her superiors who want her not to. June decides to take the interesting route and follow her Commander’s orders, despite the fact that she dislikes them at times. June tries her best to keep herself separate from her actions when with the Commander. Even when I kiss the Commander good-night, I always close my eyelids. “I don’t want him to be so close” (269). June’s desire to maintain the illusion that she will one day be reunited with her lover is the reason she wants to separate from intimacy with him. Although June’s decision to go with the Commander to Jezebels was an enjoyable experience, it also revealed that intimacy is not valued in Gilead, a society where intimacy has become both obsolete and necessary. Gilead does not allow for any personal relationships. “The problem is that I cannot be different with him from how I am usually with him. Usually, I am inert. There must be more to life than futility and bathroom humor” (255). June has been so separated from her actions for five years that she simply cannot move beyond it. Her focus remains on keeping alive, limiting herself to breaking the law, while internally removing herself.
June, in spite of her lack of hope, manages to find a little bit of it in Moira’s and Ofglen’s actions, in a world that is so devoid. June searches for a sliver of hope in her wardrobe. “Nolite te Bastardes carborundorum” is the message she takes as her motto, despite not knowing its meaning. “I silently pray: Nolite bastardes carborundorum. It sounds good, so it’ll do. June keeps the secret that writing is prohibited on her wardrobe. She sees this as a way to have a connection and power with someone else. Moira is her lifeline, starting in college and continuing on through Jezebel’s and the Red Center. Her rebelliousness, irreverence, and sarcasm remain with June even though they are so far apart. They provide a hope of a better life for her. Moira escaped the Red Center by conning and posing like an aunt. It was common knowledge that she was the one who disobeyed, but to take such a risk was unheard-of. “Moira’s power was unstoppable now. She had been freed, and set her own freedom. She was a woman on the loose” (133). June’s passiveness left her to be influenced by Moira and others who made more daring and adventurous choices. Moira was no longer as daring and confided that at Jezebel, (ironically the moment June chose to live dangerously), that she had surrendered, that being a woman’s plaything was enough for her. She was happy to be treated like a pampered child by men. Moira’s courage and gumption were far above the average person, so June was left feeling hopeless when Moira abandoned her plan to escape and accepted to become a part of an exploitative society. June was shocked to see that her hero had also faded, as she accepted only having three or so years left. “I’m not going to let her be like I was. Save her face by giving in. This is the crux of it. I want to see her show heroism in a swashbuckling way, and engage in single-handed battle. It’s something I don’t have.” (249)
Moira was not June’s sole hope. Ofglen’s hope was even more exciting to June than Moira. Ofglen was so tangible that it made June’s fear of being trapped in society even more real. June was enticed to join the group for its sense of power and belonging in such a secretive and large group. However, June’s reverence and respect for this group could not mask the fear and resentment she still had for her societal structures. Ofglen had a dual role in the organization. She was both June’s friend and threat, providing companionship, information, and the possibility of revealing what she learned about June’s meeting with the Commander should she be caught. Ofglen’s suicide was a sign of her incredible persistence, as she knew that her actions would reveal others. By hanging herself, Ofglen was able to maintain her self-control despite the society that stripped it from her. Ofglen’s decision to commit suicide was a relief. However, it exposed June to how much influence the society had over her. “I would like to continue to live, no matter what. I freely give up my body to others. I am theirs to do with as they please. I am abject. “I feel their power for the first. June abandons her fantasy of being able to spend time with Luke and daughter, without restrictions.
June is filled with guilt and regret over betraying Luke. She feels this even though she knows that she’ll never see him again. Gilead has created a culture of shame around her, which even envelops the simple desire to connect with another human being. June feels guilty even though she followed instructions. The society has robbed the act of all meaning, but June’s feelings towards Nick are still forbidden because, despite being human, she feels that she owes him a debt. “I was thinking later that this was a betrayal. It was my response, not the actual thing. “Would it matter if I was certain that he is dead?” (p. 263). Gilead’s denial that June has any personal ties leaves her without anyone she can trust and no one who will accept her for herself. Nick can offer her a safe haven where she feels human again. She’s given up all that she used to be and love and has poured her heart into a new relationship – no matter how dangerous it was. She can only look forward to it and escape the daily reality that she is faced with. “I don’t want to run away, cross the border, or escape. The only place I would rather be is here, with Nick. This way, I can get to him…I’m ashamed, but I also feel pride. How well it was worth” (271). June feels guilty about her actions, even if she knows she won’t see her family ever again. She gives up on her guilt and starts to live the moment. She is not the same person anymore and does not like her choices, but can’t give up the feelings for Nick. “I wish the story was different. It would be better if it was more civilized. I wished it portrayed me as more civilized, active, and less distracted. It would be better if it were more defined. I wish the story was about love. Or about sudden, important realizations in life. Or even about snow, birds, thunderstorms, or sunsets.
June accepts the fact that her life is never going to be the same. Although she desperately wants to change it, Gilead has broken her to the extent that she’s compelled to be part of a clandestine affair, even when they have agreed not to love one another. She has no other reason to live.
