The phrase "Blessed be the meek" carries ironic undertones, as it subverts the traditional biblical notion of strength and power associated with masculinity.

"His cap is tilted at a jaunty angle"

"Then he winks" "Perhaps he was merely being friendly" "Perhaps he is an eye"

"He isn't supposed to speak to me"

"His posture disapproves of me, or am I imagining it?"

"He’s one of the Eyes. He’s a spy." Analysis: The term "Eyes" suggests surveillance, control, and authority, aligning Nick with the oppressive regime of Gilead. This reflects the theme of men in power exerting control over others, particularly women.

"Better not to look, to let him have his privacy, a man's privacy being his most cherished possession."

"Maybe they were wrong, these women. Maybe he’s a real man after all." Analysis: The notion of being a "real man" in the context of Gilead is tied to notions of strength, authority, and adherence to the regime's ideology. This reflects the theme of toxic masculinity, where men are expected to conform to rigid gender roles to maintain power and control.

"Long sardonic unrevealing face"

"He might be an Eye. He might be Mayday. He might be an Eye posing as Mayday, hoping to trap her."

Analysis: The ambiguity surrounding Nick's allegiance underscores the theme of deception and manipulation within Gilead. This reflects how men, like Nick, navigate the oppressive society, sometimes exploiting their positions for personal gain or resistance.

"He's a guardian."

Analysis: This simple statement reveals Nick's official position within the hierarchy of Gilead's society. As a guardian, he represents the enforcers of the regime's laws and regulations, reinforcing themes of authority and control.

"He has avoided touching me." Analysis: This observation underscores the boundaries and restrictions imposed by the regime, as well as Nick's awareness of the risks associated with intimacy in Gilead. It also hints at the potential for resistance or subversion within the confines of the society.

"I wish he would hurry up, I wish he would slow down. I wish he didn’t exist. I wish he was mine."

Analysis: This quote reflects the ambivalence and complexity of the narrator's feelings towards Nick. It highlights the tension between desire and mistrust, as well as the longing for agency within the confines of Gilead's oppressive society.

"silver hair"

"Household: that is what we are. The commander is the head of the household. The house is what he holds. To have and to hold till death do us part"

"This is not recreation, even for the commander,too, is doing his duty."

"I want you to kiss me said the commander"

"But to refuse to see him could be worse. There's no doubt about who holds the real power" (chapter 23)

"Now it's dangerous"

"I win the first game, I let him win the second: I still haven't discovered what the terms are, what I will be able to ask for, in exchange"

"Sometimes after a few drinks he becomes silly, and cheats at Scrabble. He encourages me to do it too"

"Is there no end to his disguises of benevolence"

"I'd like you to play a game of scrabble with me' he says..."

"Better never means better for everyone he says. It always means worse for some"

"It occurs to me he is showing off"

"But he is also showing me off"

"It occurs to me that he may not be alive."

"I'll take care of it." - Concerning killing the cat before their escape"

"Look at him, slicing up carrots. Dont you know how many women's lives, how many women's bodies, the tanks had to roll over just to get that far?"

"Luke told me that... He liked knowing about such details."

"Look at him, slicing up carrots. Dont you know how many women's lives, how many women's bodies, the tanks had to roll over just to get that far?"

"Nothing wrong with you"

"Any pain honey?"

• Shortness of this sentence demonstrates Offred's unease when it comes to phatic conversation - Language has been restricted for so long. Sense that the doctor is overstepping the line and becoming too personal e.g Vocative "Honey" italicised for emphasis)

"Shh...I can help you"

"Ive helped others"

"Most of these old guys can't make it anymore," "Or they're sterile"

• He offers to impregnate her and utters the forbidden word: "Sterile", citing that the Commander may in fact be sterile. He may genuinely want to help her, but he more likely is motivated by lust and opportunity. Offred, though tempted, wisely refuses on grounds that it is too dangerous. She does not know if he is an Eye or if there are spies around. She is careful in her refusal, though. She does not want to anger him. He could report her for cancer, for infertility, or have her shipped off to the Unwomen Colonies. It also represents the misogyny of Gilead - The idea that no man can be blamed. AO3 - Jacob and Rachel, Old testament view.

  
  

"Lots of women do it"...."You want a baby don't you?"

• Is she being pressured into it? By making it seem like all of his patients have sex with him, he lures her into the same fate. Personal pronouns "You" repeated 2x to reinforce that its her decision to be had, despite being pressured into it. Declarative question.

"Your soft"....."Its time. Today or tomorrow would do it, why waste it? It'd only take a minute honey."

"I hate to see what they put you through,"

"Think about it,"...."I've seen your chart. You don't have a lot of time left. But it's your life."

• The doctor is sympathetic but also enjoying the situation. Offred thinks it’s too dangerous, frightened that it might be a trap. She could get killed for having sex with him, but she could also get killed for not being able to have a baby with the Commander. Though Offred turns the doctor down, she tries to act open, knowing that he has the power to say that she’s sick and have her sent to the Colonies with the Unwomen. Though she’s committed no crime, she realizes that she’s most afraid of the opportunity to change her life.