passage analysis

"We smile too, we are one smile, tears run down our cheeks, we are so happy." (Atwood 126)
This quote shows that individuality of women in Gilead is stripped. Instead of the use of the word "I", the word "we" is used. The use of "we" shows that no one differs from the other; they share the same life, emotions, and feelings. Their individual emotions are taken from them when they are assigned Commanders, who use their bodies solely for fertility. The women all wear the same dresses, which symbolizes not only fertility but also previous sins. It is a constant reminder that they have no individualism and are being punished each day for their sinning. The handmaid's are also assigned a name, which is the possesive word "of" followed by the first name of their assigned Commander. This also shows the lack of individuality and human expression in Gilead.