Chapter 8 of The Handmaid’s Tale begins with the introduction of three new carcasses hanging at The Wall. The hostile leaders of Gilead hung a priest, indicating that their fastidious and strict ideas of religion are far superior, and the practice of other religions will not be left unpunished. In addition, the hanging corpses of two men were displayed as a penalty for “Gender Treachery,” referring to homosexual activity. This suggests that Gilead restrains their citizens from rebelling against the society’s concept of gender customs. These executions are used to threaten and intimidate the community into submission as to prevent a revolution.

As they leave the Wall, Ofglen behaves redolently: “‘It’s a beautiful May day,’ Ofglen says. I [Offred] feel rather than see her head turn towards me, waiting for a reply.” It seems as if Ofglen is attempting to communicate a signal. Offred recalls a memory of Luke telling her about the meaning of Mayday: Help me. Perhaps Ofglen turned her head expectantly to catch a reaction from Offred at the subtle hint of distress. However, Offred does not seem to catch on and replies, “Yes, […] Praise be”. …show more content…
However, she was a hypocrite: her actions contradicted her words. Instead of staying home, she travelled to give speeches to support her career. Paradoxically, she is now obligated to stay home; a woman who rose to fame by encouraging gender separation. Even she is powerless against the new hierarchy. All she is now is a trophy wife, denied the right to