The Handmaid's Tale Vol 3

[CruCru]

Hi all

As the last thread has all but totally filled up, I've started this new one.

Bit shallow - but do you think the Wives are allowed cosmetics? I got the impression that make up is banned but they do all look very polished.

Are the marriages between the commanders and the wives ones of convenience?

I don't think so Groovee, in the flashbacks of Fred & Serena it showed them to be in love.

Just place marking!

Place marking

I think it started out as love but the commander loves power especially over the handmaids. It was very telling him taking june to the club and lording over the fact woman used to be professionals. He's a narcissistic. The fact the last one committed suicide suggests he really got her in a place she could not escape.

I think Serena made the last handmaids life hell, which is why she committed suicide.

I agree that without physical affection being allowed (isn't lust considered a sin) they have developed empty stale loveless marriages

If I was a wife, having to wear the same colour the whole time would bug me (also shallow) I get that Marthas & Handmaids are in "uniform" as they are servants of the regime but it's always struck me as odd that the wives have to too.

They're all servants of the regime aka the men. That includes the wives. They have to be good housewives don't they? And look after any baby that might be born.

Cru as far as I remember in the book make up is banned but the wives can get stuff on the black market (like cigarettes) as they have money.

The wives are viewed just as much servants/possessions as any other woman.

"Woman, know your place"

Marking my place

Pm

One detail I've always remembered from the book is how Offred uses the butter from her meal tray as moisturiser. I thought the make up scene from the first visit to Jezebel's was so perfectly done- she really looked like she'd done it herself and she seemed so 'painted' compared to her usual self

Place marking

I loved how they pushed an Uppababy Vista pram!

Yes, I noticed that. Presumably a load were kept from before and are doled out? They're made in the US I think (while Bugaboo are Dutch).

I'd love to get more insight on both Serena and Aunt Lydia's thoughts and back stories.

The whole story raises so many questions; I could watch episode after episode.

Don't want it to end!

One detail I've always remembered from the book is how Offred uses the butter from her meal tray as moisturiser.

Yes, that's always stuck with me, too.

I am fascinated by the aunts. Would love to know more about their back story. Especially Lydia.

Just checking in as this thread is really helping me process what's happening in the show.

I'm also getting sad about the approaching end. I want to know more about Aunt Lydia.

The latest episode was one of the most brutal yet. Tears flowed when Janine was talking to June on the bridge. This has been made so thoughtfully hasn't it? Can't believe that there is only one episode left.

Would a fall from a bridge that height-and into water-kill you?