The Hunger for Human Relationships in The Handmaid’s Tale Nkiru Okocha 12th Grade

Psychologically humans are wired to have certain feelings, needs, and thought patterns. However, when these are threatened lethal behavior is initiated in order to preserve themselves. By way of illustration, The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood eloquently demonstrates how the desire for human connection drives dangerous responses. Multiple characters display this idea by violating laws that have been newly established in the Republic of Gilead, a theocratic and authoritarian state. Specifically, Offred, a handmaid whose job is to procreate, struggles with her ache to share a passionate moment with anyone. As well, her Commander engages in sex with handmaids to reproduce but the lack of intimacy steers him to commit sacrileges. Also, Nick, a Guardian who serves as a bodyguard and servant to the Commander, craves sexual encounters with Offred. All choices made by these characters are fatal but the longing for human attachment is the prime motivation. Therefore, The Handmaid’s Tale suggests when placed in restrictive positions, people’s need for human relation intensifies, and consequently their decisions produce risky, and unpredictable outcomes.

To begin, Offred displays acts of rebellion to attain relationships with Moira...