In Atwood’s novel, the character of Offred is the protagonist who’s inaction leads to unhappiness. In the newly formed society of Gilead, the state has taken control of reproduction to combat low birth rates. Due to Offred’s fertility, against her will she is classified as a handmaid, with her sole duty being to give birth for elite couples. Her discontent with being a handmaid is very much apparent as she reminisces of better days, when her body was hers, “an instrument, of pleasure, or a means of transportation” (Atwood 91) rather than just flesh that surrounds a uterus, “a cloud, congealed around a central object, the shape of a pear. (91)” She takes no action to better her situation, rather, she becomes even more passive, allowing The Commander and Serena Joy to press her on to relationships that jeopardize her safety. As time passes Offred goes from a state of scilent rebellion, to a state of despair and unhappiness.
On the other hand, while Offred’s life long best friend Moria did take action, her actions failed to bring happiness. Moria worked in the publishing division of the women’s movement. When the Gilead government came to power, Moria was arrested by authorities and was sent to be brainwashed in the Re-Education Center. Moria takes action by attempting to escape by faking an illness. Her plan fails and she is tortured to the point where she is immobile for a week. Not allowing her capture to break her will, Moria attempts a second escape where she traps one of the aunts in a washroom and steals her clothing. She breaks out of the Red-Center and attempts to flee to Canada. Unfortunately this also ends in failure when she is caught and becomes a prostitute at Jezebel’s, a club for commanders.
Finally, there is Offred’s mother who through her actions achieves happiness. Offred’s mother gave birth to Offred at the age 37, as a single parent. Viewing the injustice and the inequalities of society, she became an active participant in the feminist movements in the 1960’s, protesting for women’s rights and equality. Her actions, and the actions of thousands of other women led to the advancement of women’s rights in society. This includes the right to vote, the right to have an abortion, and equal pay among the sexes. Her actions led to the achievement of her goals for equality, and we can only assume that these achievements led to her happiness.
In conclusion, by examining the situations and tribulations of Moria, Offred, and Offred’s mother, it has been shown that Offred’s inaction leads her directly to the path of unhappiness, while Moria takes action and fails to achieve happiness, whereas Offred’s actions brought her happiness.
