Offred's Dependence on Nick (#9)

Offred displayed a deep connection to Nick that is unlike any relationship that is shown in the book. Their relationship is not one of love, nor is it one of force. It is not entirely a friendship, but there is a sort of companionship that the two share even if it is more one-sided. There is a mystery to Nick and I think that is the reason that this relationship is so compelling. Even Offred shows some concern towards his secretive saying, "...how have I come to trust him like this, which is foolhardy in itself? How can I assume I know him, or the least thing about him and what he really does?" (Atwood, 270). Even during their love affair, she cannot quite figure out what Nick's position on all of this is. Nonetheless, she would continue to see him. I interpreted this as being a way for Offred to have an outlet for sexual, social, and comfort desires. Although she is not receiving these in a way that one may consider "traditional," Offred is gaining some sort of relationship that she had not previously had. Putting myself in Offred's shoes, being ripped away from the love of your life as well as your child and being placed into an odd, confusing world must be heart-wrenching. I can see why Offred craves this attention so desperately. Something interesting to note is how Nick never really provides much insight back to Offred when she speaks, yet she still feels like he loves her. I think that this stems back to the "male being the protector" and the "woman being the one needing protection" stereotype. Offred craves that stability and although Nick is not her ideal caregiver, she takes what she can get and idolizes the relationship to be perfect in her eyes.

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