Lost Connection

The artwork that I’ve created depicts The Commander, Offred, and The Commander’s Wife, Serena Joy, lined up. I have utilized colors to show that they hold different beliefs and have little in common. Offred is wearing her handmaiden uniform, with her face obscured from view. The Commander and Serena Joy are on opposite sides of her, as they don’t have a strong relationship together. As we come to learn more about Offred and The Commander’s relationship, we find that they are beginning to bond. From early on, we know that Offred and Serena Joy do not have a mutual relationship. During the Ceremony, Serena Joy treats Offred with a cold attitude. “Serena Joy lets go of my hands. ‘You can get up now,’ she says. ‘Get up and get out.’ She’s supposed to leave me to rest for ten minutes, with my feet on a pillow to improve the chances. This is meant to be a time of silent meditation for her, but she’s not in the mood for that. There is loathing in her voice, as if the touch of my flesh sickens and contaminates her. (pg. 95)” It’s obvious that Serena Joy has no patience for Offred, shooing her away despite the rules. Atwood mentions, “This is meant to be a time of silent meditation for her, but she’s not in the mood for that”, proving that Serena Joy isn’t worried about reflecting on this moment. In fact, she’s trying to escape the feelings she’s having. Offred feels the same way, wondering, “Which of us is it worse for, her or me? (pg. 95)” From this interaction alone, we can deduce that the relationship between Serena Joy and Offred is withdrawn and purely transactional. Serena Joy is worried about what Offred can do for her. As the story progresses, a connection begins to grow between The Commander and Offred. He invites her to his room, a private meeting that is strictly forbidden. “I’d like you to play a game of Scrabble with me.’ he says. I hold myself absolutely rigid. I keep my face unmoving. Scrabble! I wanted to laugh, shriek with laughter, and fall off my chair. (pg. 138)” Although Offred was prepared for a sexual encounter, she was met with an invitation for a simple game. Before she left, he requested a kiss from her. “Thank you,’ he says, ‘For the game.’ Then he says, ‘I want you to kiss me.’ (pg. 139)” This leads to the idea that the commander wants a romantic relationship with Offred. He isn’t being fulfilled by his marriage with Serena Joy, and wants something more. There are no mentions of a true connection between them. Instead, the Commander looks to Offred for love. He knows the power he holds over her and uses it to establish the connection he lacks with his wife. Serena Joy and the Commander are separated by Offred in this piece to symbolize their lack of connection. Offred and the Commander have a secret relationship, causing their colors to seep together. Serena Joy is cut off from them, not near her own husband.