paper 2 english quotes

“For Adam was first formed, then Eve.” - Unknown Commander

“Under his eye”

This quote was said by an Unknown commander as part of the service at a Women’s Prayvaganza, which in this case was the conversion of nuns into handmaids for the Gileadean regime. This is a demonstration of Gilead’s usage of religious extremism to justify their subordination and control of women.

“Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum”

This quote was heavily implied to be written by the previous Offred, who hung herself. It’s direct translation is “Don’t let the bastard’s grind you down”. Commander Waterford ridicules it as a joke learned by boys learning latin before Gilead. Offred uses it as a source of hope/perseverance.

“There is more than one kind of freedom, freedom to and freedom from.” - Aunt Lydia

Aunt Lydia addresses the girls in the red center, saying that although their lives are significantly less “free” than before, their captivity is in fact a privilege and an improvement. This can be compared to miss Emily.

“Better never means better for everyone. It always means worse for some” - Commander Waterford

Waterford says this quote to Offred after her questioning of the Sons of Jacob and their establishment of Gilead. Waterford believes that Gilead is an improvement from the US, however only for some (that being him and other commanders). This can be compared to NLMG society, as the clone’s suffering improves medical care for their society.

“I tell, therefore you are” - Offred

Offred said this to address the reader or listener as she is speaking into a tape recording. this is a reference to the first person pov which the story is told in.

“To them I am a household chore” - Offred

Offred laments how her “bathing time” is seen as a chore for the Marthas. This is evidence of the handmaiden’s dehumanization, as they aren’t allowed dignity to bathe themselves, and instead seen as a chore. This can be compared to Madame’s view of clones (afraid)

metaphor

“Your lives are set out for you” -Miss Lucy

Miss Lucy confronts the students as they talk about their dreams to become actors or travel to America. This quote represents how the clone’s lives are dictated by the state/ higher powers, which they can’t control.

“You poor creatures” - Madame

“We’re all afraid of you” - Miss emily

This quote was said in pity by Madame at the end of the story. It references how Madame (and others) do not view the clones as humans with personhood, rather they are creatures. This can be compared with the dehumanization of the handmaidens.

“They wanted you back in the shadows” - Miss emily

Miss emily said this quote in regards to the morningdale scandal, and how society did not want to improve the lives of clones. This can again represent the discrimination of clones and can be compared to the treatment of the handmaidens (they are kept “in the shadows” via their clothes")

“We’ve given you better lives than you would have had otherwise” - Miss emily

Miss emily laments the failure of Hailsham in systemically improving the lives of clones, however asks them to be grateful despite their captivity and lack of freedom. This can be compared to Aunt Lydia’s sentiment in Handmaid’s tale.

“I saw a new world coming rapidly. More scientific[…] But a harsh, cruel world.” -Madame

Madame refers to Kathy’s singing “Never Let Me Go”. Describing Kathy holding an “old world” full with kindness, not wanting to let it go to a new cruel world. This demonstrates the scientific justification for oppression of clones, compared to handmaid’s tale.

“the birthrate per thousand… down past the zero line of replacement, and down and down.”

Aunt Lydia is shaming pre-Gilead women for sterilizing themselves or refusing to breed due to societal issues. she calls them lazy and sluts. The low birth rate is the Gileadean regime’s scientific justification for oppression, which can be compared to NLMG.

“We could always go and find it again in Norfolk”

Kathy refers to Norfolk, the ‘lost corner’ of England where Hailsham students could go find their lost items. This is a symbol of defiance and hope.