1. Chapter 11

2. The Doctor
Offred shares her experience with the doctor. She is forced to visit the doctor each month. Here her fertility and health is checked.
There are only other handmaids in the waiting room as indicated by the colour of their robes.
Offred is forced to undress and get under two sheets; one sheet covers her body and one covers her face.
The doctor, typically a trustworthy individual, speaks to her when it isn’t allowed. He then propositions her as he is examining her. At this time he also lifts the sheet to look at her face.

3. The Doctor
Offred initially believes he wants to help her find Luke but he is offering to have sex with her so that she might have a better chance at getting pregnant.
He discloses that the Commander is sterile. He also states that he has “helped” other handmaids in the past.
Why do you think it is dangerous for him to suggest that it is men that are sterile when society blames infertility on women?
Offred thinks vaguely that if she can't have children, she might die.
Is the doctor genuine, a predator, or a spy?
Offred has to be extremely careful. Depending on the character of the doctor, he could report her if she doesn't give him what he wants.

4. Analysis
This chapter shows a clear rejection of modern science in order to glorify men.
Offred’s fear of what the doctor may do further demonstrates her complete lack of power. The fact that he is inappropriate isn’t her biggest concern. She is more concerned about him telling on her.
We also get the sense that most recognize that men can be sterile but this fact cannot be addressed.
The doctor’s proposition demonstrates the limits of totalitarianism and the governments inability to control humans and society.

5. Analysis
Gilead’s need for children seems to dictate the controlling and oppressive system yet also creates a motivation to act out despite the laws.
This passage also sheds light on the immoral nature that still exists. This leads us to question what other outlawed activities still exist and the number of children conceived immorally.
The doctor offers Offred an escape. Why do you think this scares her?

6. Chapter 12

7. Summary
Offred describes the bathroom. It is blue and safety-proofed, just like her bedroom.
As Offred bathes, Cora waits outside like a guard. She feels awkward and strange thinking about the way she used to dress and how it would be still immodest now.
As Offred relaxes, she remembers a time when a women attempted to steal her baby in a grocery store.
At the time, she says, it seemed out of the ordinary.
She recalls her life as a mother and shares her fears of her daughter thinking she is dead. She thinks her daughter would be about eight now, which means it's been three years since she was taken.

8. Summary
As Offred removes herself from the bath, she acknowledges the tattoo on her ankle.
As she eats her bland and nauseating dinner, she gives insight into her analysis of the Commander and his wife. Does the Commander notice Serena Joy?
Handmaids are not allowed to keep food but Offred hides a pat of butter in her shoe.
Why do you think Handmaids are not allowed alcohol, nicotine, or coffee?

9. “Blessed be the meek” says Aunt Lydia
What is the next line? (again it is from the Bible)

10. “For they shall inherit the earth”
Again we see the manipulation of religion and power. The original passage discusses how the meek and downtrodden will rise up against their oppressors and take over.
The use of biblical language is for their convenience only.

11. When we are offered more insight into Offred’s daily activities, we see that she is treated more like a slave.
All of her actions are controlled.
She is denied friends and a family

12. Offred’s Daughter
Here we realize that her previous memory of her daughter’s near kidnapping was foreshadowing the eventual kidnapping/taking of her daughter and the fact that a strange woman is now raising her daughter.

13. Chapter 13

14. Offred is bored.
In her room she thinks about 19th-century paintings of harem women and considers whether women waiting is or isn't sexy.

15. She compares herself to a pig getting fattened or a caged rat.
Why these two comparisons? Why is this significant?
As Offred completes her pelvic exercises, she wonders if she had been drugged by Aunt Lydia
She recalls the time Moira arrived and how she appeared beaten.
Although they were not allowed to talk, they managed to arrange secret meetings in the bathroom.

16. Testifying
Janine testifies about being raped and having an abortion. Offred is not sure if she believes her.
Aunt Helena encourages them to all blame Janine and say it was her fault.
Janine had testified the same story the previous week and cried. The other women made fun of her and Offred was ashamed.
After Janine’s confession, Offred askes to use the washroom where she will secretly meet Moira, careful not to incur a beating.

17. As Offred thinks about her desensitized mindset towards her body, she wonders if Luke is dead.
We then get a very clear recollection of Offred’s initial attempt to run away with her daughter.
We learn that Offred, in her past life, went to great lengths to protect her daughter. Her memory is interrupted by Cora.

18. Analysis
Here she contemplates the difference between men and women as she remembers 19th c. paintings of harems. In her old life, she would have considered them erotic. Now, assimilating herself with these women, she thinks these paintings depict bored women waiting.

19. What is wrong with the scene about Janine?
Please write a half page response reflecting on how women are being conditioned to believe that those who commit sexual assault are the victims.
What else does this passage tell you?
How does this make you feel?