How does Atwood present the Commander in Chapter 15?

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Katie Yeowart

How does Atwood present the Commander in Chapter 15?

In 'A Handmaid's Tale' the Commander is the most powerful authority figure in Offred's world. He is a high-ranking governement official and he is the head of the 'household' that Offred has been 'assigned' to. The Handmaids are defined solely through their bodies and their Commander and in chapter 15 we see why.

The chapter begins with the Commander knocking at the door, the knock is 'prescribed', this

gives the chapter an isolated, clinical feel now that the Commander is entering his wife's 'territory'

Atwood's use of language here is very effective, she says how the Commander 'is supposed to ask permisson to enter' and how Serena Joy 'likes to keep him waiting'. This shows the reader the awkwardness and power in the Commander & his wife's relationship. Serena Joy in the next chapter is about to have her role as a wife violated, she is taking advantage of the power she has over the 'Household' because in the next chapter she is powerless to the Ceremony.  

 Atwood then uses a rhetorical question 'Who knows what she said to him, over the silver-encrusted dinner table? Or didnt say' to keep the reader interested and get the reader thinking about the relationship between this husband and wife.

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The Commander is described by Atwood as a 'museum guard' in his black uniform. he is then describes as a 'semi-retired man, genial but wary, killing time. But only at first glance', this is important as Atwood is hinting to the reader that all is not what is seems at 'first glance' not just in this chapter but throughout the novel. Atwood's description of the Commander's 'straight, neatly brushed silver hair...his sober posture...shoulders a little stooped', the description of his shoulders suggests that not only is the Commander feeling awkward but embarrassed aswell.

The description continues with the Commander's eyes ...

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