Question

the narrator remains unnamed for a large portion of the novel. for the purposes of clarity and simplicity in this teaching unit, her name will be revealed now as offred. why do you think, though, that the author would choose to keep the narrator unnamed for over half of the novel?

Answer 1

The author might keep a character unnamed to highlight themes of identity loss and dehumanization, create a universal experience, and build intrigue for the reader.

Step-by-step explanation:

The author may choose to keep the narrator unnamed for a significant part of the novel to create a sense of universality and emphasize the theme of identity or lack thereof. In the context of the novel "The Handmaid's Tale", where the character Offred is referenced, this tactic serves to underscore the oppressive environment in which individuals are stripped of their personal identities. By not naming the protagonist for a while, the author Margaret Atwood also allows readers to internalize the dehumanization and loss of autonomy experienced by the characters in the dystopian society.

Not knowing the character's name creates a distance between the reader and the protagonist, which can intensify the reader's realization of the character's dire situation and evoke a feeling of detachment that mirrors the characters' experiences. In many works, this approach also builds intrigue and encourages readers to engage more deeply with the text to understand the characters and the world they inhabit.