The Handmaid's Tale- Ofwarren (Janine) Questions and Answers

The Handmaid's Tale- Ofwarren (Janine) Questions and Answers Ofwarren, formerly known as Janine, is a Handmaid who appears to abide by the rules and regulations of the Gilead regime, even when it is the detriment of her own sanity. Janine symbolizes conformist's points of view at the society. Janine unravels psychologically as the novel progresses because she is trying so hard to suppress her dislike and fear of the Gileadean government and the memory of her rape. At the Rachel and Leah Centre she is presented as a pathetic figure, on the edge of nervous collapse, and consequently one of Aunt Lydia's pets. However, she is a victim in both her lives: before Gilead when she worked as a waitress and was raped by a gang of thugs, then as a Handmaid. A victim of misfortune, seen when she is pregnant with an Unbaby, which of course is disposed of. She shows the true devastation of Gilead and warning Offred to keep herself sane How is Ofwarren portrayed? What does she symbolize? Why does Janine unravels psychologically? How is she presented at the Rachel and Leah Centre? How is she a victim? What does she show? Key Chapters Centre Ridiculing = 13 Birth Day = 19 to 21 Defeated = 33 Previous Play Next Rewind 10 seconds Move forward 10 seconds Unmute 0:06 / 0:15 Full screen Brainpower Read More Chapter 13- In the Centre, when she tells the story of her gang-rape in pre-Gileadean times, she is viewed without sympathy, in animalistic terms and is taunted in childlike, playground language: 'Crybaby' Offred unites with the other handmaids in their dislike of Janine- Offred's sense of guilt at her own behaviour towards Janine. Dystopian world that blames the victim of rape and subsequent abortion Janine's lack of control and submission Chapter 13: Key Quotes "Her fault, her fault, her fault, we chant in unison" "Teach her a lesson, teach her a lesson, teach her a lesson" "She told the same story last week.....It may not even be true." "She looked disgusting: weak, squirmy, blotchy, pink, like a newborn mouse." "None of us wanted to look like that, ever...... we despised her." Chapter 21- Birth Day- she is neglected as soon as the baby is born and left 'crying helplessly, burnt-out miserable tears.' In the birthing scene, however, her pain is portrayed unflinchingly. Chapter 22, Page 135- "Janine was like a puppy that's been kicked too often"- completely dependent and childlike - contrasts to Janine's role of childbearing. Diminishes and creates sympathy for Janine. Suggests a complete lack of (physical/mental) power, as a creature which is trained to do what you want to do Key Quotes Chapter 19 - 21 "Probably Ofwarren, formerly that whiny bitch Janine, was paraded out in front of her, her and the other wives...." "And sucky Janine: Oh yes, can I, ma'am, please?" "Janine, inflated but reduced. shorn of her former name." "Crouching like that, she's like a doll, and old one that's been pillaged and discarded, in some corner, akimbo." Key Quotes Chapter 33 "Her body under the red dress looks very thin, skinny almost, and she's lost that pregnant glow." "Her face is white and peaked, as if the juice is being sucked out of her." "You can't let her go slipping over the edge. That stuff is catching." "But she's let go, totally now, she's in free fall, she's in withdrawal." Chapter 43- Particicution - The last mention of Ofwarren is at the Particicution where Janine participates quite aggressively and seems to enjoy it. This suggests her total loss of sanity. She may have seen the Particicution to get revenge on the boys that raped her when she was younger through the supposed rapist she was beating. Can no longer distinguish fantasy from reality.