Important Quotes - Chapter 46

'Crumpled stars' ~ p. 303

Physically Offred is referring to the sequin dress but it also symbolises how all her hopes, opportunities and any small ambitions she had or could have, have been crumpled into nothing.

'To put her out of her misery, and myself as well. To put her out of our misery' ~ p. 304

'Faith is only a word, embroidered.' ~ p. 304

'Behind me I fell her presence, my ancestress, my double, turning in mid-air under the chandelier' ~ p. 305

Offred is becoming more and more hysterical about what she has done and what is she going to happen to her. She realises that what is happening to her is a repeat in history and happened to her predecessor 'working' there.

' there is no one you can protect, your life has value to no one. I want it finished.' ~ p. 305

'He calls me by my real name. Why should this mean anything?' ~ p. 305

A comment on Nicks knowledge of her name shows that he must be part of the eyes. But also this quote shows the symbolic power of a name. As though he is giving her back a part of her identity, as though he really cares for her in particular.

'Whatever else I am to him, I am also at this point a disaster' ~ p. 306

'Possibly he will be a security risk now, I am above him looking down; he is shrinking.' ~ p. 306

She has power now over the Commander, or he at least thinks so, the power to give him in, to break him.

'After all he did for you.' ~ p. 307

'I have failed her. Now she will always be childless' p. 307