Serena's Plot for Pregnancy

The Handmaid's Tale

Serena Joy's scheme to have Offred impregnated by Nick, revealing the desperation and collusion within the household.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Garden Conversation The Garden Conversation from "The Handmaid's Tale". The Garden Conversation The Wool Winding Serena Joy calls Offred to the garden to hold a skein of wool. She winds slowly, her crippled hands working.

The Garden Conversation from "The Handmaid's Tale". The Garden Conversation The Wool Winding Serena Joy calls Offred to the garden to hold a skein of wool. She winds slowly, her crippled hands working.

The Garden Conversation The Wool Winding Serena Joy calls Offred to the garden to hold a skein of wool. She winds slowly, her crippled hands working. She asks if Offred is pregnant yet. Offred says no. The Proposal Serena suggests Offred try another man, specifically Nick. She says she will arrange it. Offred is shocked but considers it. Serena offers a picture of Offred's daughter as a reward. The Agreement Offred agrees. Serena gives her a cigarette and a match. Offred feels collusion and betrayal. She knows this is dangerous but sees no other option.

The First Night with Nick The First Night with Nick from "The Handmaid's Tale". The First Night with Nick The Assignment Offred goes to Nick's room over the garage. He knows why she is there. They have sex without preliminaries.

The First Night with Nick from "The Handmaid's Tale". The First Night with Nick The Assignment Offred goes to Nick's room over the garage. He knows why she is there. They have sex without preliminaries.

The First Night with Nick The Assignment Offred goes to Nick's room over the garage. He knows why she is there. They have sex without preliminaries. Offred feels alive in her skin again. The Ambiguity Nick is unsmiling, distant. Offred feels stupid and ugly. She wonders what he thinks of her. She tells herself it is an assignment, but she wants more. The Aftermath Offred returns to her room. She thinks about the possibility of pregnancy. She wants the child to be Nick's. She feels she has made a life for herself, of a sort.

The Betrayal Discovered The Betrayal Discovered from "The Handmaid's Tale". The Betrayal Discovered Serena's Anger Serena Joy confronts Offred, holding the feather costume and lipstick-stained cloak.

The Betrayal Discovered from "The Handmaid's Tale". The Betrayal Discovered Serena's Anger Serena Joy confronts Offred, holding the feather costume and lipstick-stained cloak.

The Betrayal Discovered Serena's Anger Serena Joy confronts Offred, holding the feather costume and lipstick-stained cloak. She accuses Offred of being a slut, like the previous one. Offred is caught. The Punishment Serena sends Offred to her room. Offred knows worse is coming. She waits for the black van. The betrayal of Serena's trust has consequences. The End Offred is taken away by the Eyes. Serena's plot has backfired. Offred's fate is uncertain. The collusion between them has led to disaster.

afternoon in the garden, mid-summer

that night

after the Salvaging, near the ending