Journal #2: Topic B

     Alright, I'm going to go out on a limb here and analyze the Commander's violation of societal norms. At first glance, he seems like the type of guy that would stick to the rules-- later in the book we find out that he played a part in implementing this "temporary government." But then we start to see inconsistencies: small at first, but growing larger as the  novel progresses. First he's spotted by Offred outside her bedroom. Then he calls for a rendezvous with her, and they begin what become regular meetings at which they will play Scrabble and just talk. After the conclusion of each night spent together, the Commander would kiss her. This, of course, is completely against protocol, and it makes the reader wonder why someone who has it so good in this society would risk everything. Is it for intimacy with another person? Is it sympathy? Is it nostalgia? Then, he begins to give her things; beauty magazines, and then makeup and a costume, and they go to an underground 'nightclub' of sorts. I guess maybe it was all for intimacy-- he chooses to go there so he and Offred can have sex alone, without Serena Joy around to make things more awkward than they already are and to escape the constraints of the ceremony. The only person apart from Offred and the Commander who know is Nick- at first. Serena Joy eventually finds out. Whether or not the Commander is actually punished I do not know. I know only that Offred was taken away, be it by people who want to help or hurt her.