The Commander

Question 1

significant chapters

Answer 1

16 - the Ceremony
23 - first scrabble meeting
25 - magazine

Question 2

chapter 16

Answer 2

pattern of material verbs “withdraws, recedes, rezippers” - detaches himself from the situation, treats it like a business transaction, makes Offred feel vulnerable
simile “like a man humming to himself in the shower without knowing he’s humming” - he’s unaware of his actions, could link to the bigger picture of Gilead and it’s impact on women

Question 3

chapter 23

Answer 3

pattern of imperative verbs “close” “go” - he’s exerting his power over Offred, knows she will obey him, enjoys bossing her around

Question 4

chapter 25

Answer 4

simile “like a wine connoisseur dropping a name” - he’s teasing her and trying to get a reaction out of her, enjoys watching her suffer and him have power

Question 5

context

Answer 5

could be argued that the Commander is loosely based on Ronald Reagen (both white, Christian, believe in trad values, well-groomed)
often in lit, villianous characters will be ugly but Atwood makes us question appearance vs reality here