I want to try something new. I want to only analyze and focus on one character, the most hated woman on television today. Of course, I'm talking about Hulu's "The Handmaid's Tale". I am all caught up and waiting, breathlessly, for the final two episodes of season 2. Based upon the bestselling 1985 dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood, the story revolves around a totalitarian state resembling a theocratic government. The Republic of Gilead has taken over some parts of the United States. The fertility rates have dropped drastically and this particular society is relying on fertile women to give birth for the barren wives. These women who have committed a 'sin' would be kidnapped into becoming a handmaid. A considered sin would be to commit adultery. The only job the handmaids have is to carry a baby for the households, consisting of a commander and their barren wife. Season 1 of the show was only based off the book, then season 2 spiraled down to being totally original.
The one character that I want to discuss is the central barren wife in the story named Serena Joy. Her handmaid, Offred, is the main character, who we follow throughout the story. Her real name is June but that name is now forbidden. The handmaid's name consist the word 'of' and the commander's first name to show they belong to that household. That's why it's Offred, she is of Fred. Serena is more of a supporting role, but very much present in the show. Serena married Fred Waterford who is one of the main creator and commander of Gilead. The couple, both assisted in creating this society. Serena Joy, before living in Gilead, was an author and a religious activist. The most interesting part is the fact that Serena is miserable in the society she helped create. Women are no longer allowed to read books or even write and that makes Serena even more of a surrenderer. She answers every question about their current state of condition in Gilead with, "God asks for sacrifices." Since this has become a theocratic society, everyone is forced to devote their life to the Bible.
During the first season, to conceive a child, a 'ceremony' is held. The commander reads a phrase from the bible for luck then goes on to rape the handmaid. The handmaid's head is on the lap of the wife who is holding the handmaid's hands. It is believed that if the wives hold the hands of the handmaid's, they will hopefully be producing a baby as one whole person. It's beyond ridiculous and it could not be more dark and bizarre. The look on Serena's face says it all. She is beyond humiliated emotionally. All the barren wives go through a state of humiliation for only relying on the handmaids to conceive their baby. When Serena thinks Offred is pregnant, she breaks the rules in a way. Serena gives her special treatment and is all kind to her. However, when she finds out Offred isn't pregnant, she becomes livid and ballistic. All that temporary kindness goes out the window and she becomes a nasty cruel woman. Now Offred is having a harder time. Before being kidnapped into becoming a handmaid, her eight or nine year old daughter Hannah, was taken from her. While Serena was gone for a short period of time, her husband decides to illegally take Offred out to a club called Jezebels. Serena comes back and discovers what has happened, thinking that they are carrying out a tiny affair. Serena, in order to teach Offred a lesson, makes her watch something deeply heartbreaking from the car. Hannah is in another district of Gilead and is being taken care of well. Serena, for what seems like the longest time to Offred, greets and lightly plays with her. She is basically teasing Offred the one chance she has for a short reunion. Offred, of course, is screaming and crying, only wanting to see her daughter who she hasn't seen for a very long time. Once back in the car, Serena has formed into the meanest person ever. Offred calls Serena all these names deservingly and Serena responds with, "Don't get upset. It's not good for the baby." Then the meanest threat ever imaginable, "As long as my baby is safe, so is yours." The words that come out of her mouth make her an evil monster. She is purposely keeping a mother and daughter away and decides to use it for her good. At the beginning of this show, I felt bad for Serena because of her desperation for wanting a child. However, as her character's storyline progresses, I no longer feel sorry for her. The actions she does are so unnecessary and cruel to the point where I think she deserves everything thrown at her. That is enough to make me really hate this woman. It was hot and cold with her because she was kind when she wanted to be but boy, does she kill her own kindness in a matter of seconds. The second season has made me finalized my true feeling about Serena which I will write in the upcoming posts.
