I did not expect Nolite te bastardes carbondorum( Don’t let the bastard grind you down) to be a joke, and a joke I do not even understand. I thought it would be a key detail to complete the story at the end. I was actually disappointed when I found out the real meaning, because I let my imagination run wild to explore any possible meanings and it did not reach my level of expectation. It is like planning a trip with your friends and then doing nothing on your agenda. Even so, I still have a little hope that it will mean more in the end.
I did not think Serena Joy would ever talk to Offred either. Why would she all of a sudden decide to offer her help and a cigeratte? I have a feeling she is up to something. She either wants to set her up or get rid of Offred as soon as possible. I think her intentions are selfish.
When I was reading the part about the Jews I thought of the Holocaust. I wonder what Atwood's intentions are with these historic references, but whatever her reasons are I like it because it gives me a chance to use the information I learned in history classes to provide me incites to the story.
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I think by joke they mean it's school boys talking smack about their teachers. I was disappointed when I found out the meaning too! But the book isn't over yet- maybe something will happen later.
ReplyDeleteSerena's 'cig offer' was def. unexpected! Especially since she seemed so bitter when Offred described her earlier and her actions (digging rings into her palm) during the 'fucking' passage. For that reason, her sudden change in personality just don't seem to match! I guess you're right about her being selfish. I mean, after all once Offred has the child it will be Serena who will get to 'keep' the child anyway! Offred will just be sent to another commander and Serena gets more children.
I thought of the Holocaust too! I realized that whenever I think I see something about Jewish people (in a negative situation) I think about the Holocaust.