Offred's Love for Luke

The Handmaid's Tale

The enduring love Offred feels for her husband Luke, sustained through memory and hope.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Memories of Luke Memories of Luke from "The Handmaid's Tale". Memories of Luke The Early Days Offred remembers meeting Luke, their affair while he was still married. They would meet in hotels.

Memories of Luke from "The Handmaid's Tale". Memories of Luke The Early Days Offred remembers meeting Luke, their affair while he was still married. They would meet in hotels.

Memories of Luke The Early Days Offred remembers meeting Luke, their affair while he was still married. They would meet in hotels. She was nervous, but he loved her. The Marriage They married and had a daughter. Offred remembers Luke teasing her mother. They were happy, though they didn't know it. The Loss Offred lost Luke during the escape attempt. She imagines him dead, imprisoned, or escaped. She holds onto the hope of reunion.

The Pain of Absence The Pain of Absence from "The Handmaid's Tale". The Pain of Absence The Longing Offred longs for Luke's touch. She wants to be held and told her name. She feels disembodied without him.

The Pain of Absence from "The Handmaid's Tale". The Pain of Absence The Longing Offred longs for Luke's touch. She wants to be held and told her name. She feels disembodied without him.

The Pain of Absence The Longing Offred longs for Luke's touch. She wants to be held and told her name. She feels disembodied without him. The Guilt Offred feels guilty for her affair with Nick. She wonders if Luke would understand. She knows he might be dead. The Faith Offred believes in the message that will never come. She keeps Luke alive in her heart. Her love is a form of resistance.

throughout the narrative, in flashbacks

during the narrative present