Final answer:
Offred's attitude toward her body has shifted from personal identity to a tool for the state in 'The Handmaid's Tale'. Women's bodily experiences in literature reflect societal pressures and personal transformations, with attitudes being indicative of autonomy or subjugation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Offred's attitude toward her body has undergone significant changes influenced by the totalitarian society in which she lives. Her body, once a source of personal identity and autonomy, has become a tool for the state's purpose, particularly for reproduction. The enforced detachment from her personal identity and sexuality has gradually led to Offred seeing her body as separate from herself, less a part of her and more an instrument for others to use. This phenomenon is reflected in how the society in Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale' dehumanizes women, reducing them to their biological functions.
The excerpts provided from different literary works can be analyzed for their portrayal of women's bodies and how their attitudes towards those bodies reflect the societal pressures they face. From being vivacious and full of life, as described in the first excerpt, to facing a transformative awakening or having a personal revelation in the face of natural beauty as in Chopin's description or Deborah's renewed hopefulness, women's bodily experiences are depicted in various transformative states.
When examining the question of liberation versus victimization, as mentioned in the final prompt, it's important to consider the societal context and personal psychology of the characters. Attitudes toward one's body can be a reflection of personal liberation or a sign of subjugation, where the body becomes a battleground for autonomy, identity, and freedom.