Final answer:
Offred views The Commander as symbolic of male dominance through phallic images, a concept that aligns with patriarchal criticism in literature. This perspective reflects traditional gender roles with men in power positions and highlights the dynamics and tensions surrounding feminism in narrative contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question revolves around feminist criticism in literature, focusing specifically on character relationships and gender dynamics. The student asks how Offred in Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale perceives The Commander and how women define men's roles in general through the lens of feminist criticism. The question appears to involve an interpretation of a specific character's view on gender roles, which may include symbolism and an understanding of patriarchal structures.
Considering Offred's perspective, she views The Commander through a series of phallic images, which may symbolize male dominance and power within the patriarchal society of Gilead. This view aligns with the broader concept of patriarchal criticism, where the prejudices and images of women are shaped by male perspectives. Offred's interactions with The Commander reveal how male figures are often placed in power positions, reinforcing traditional gender roles of males being active and in control, while females remain passive and subjugated.
Feminist criticism often examines literature to assess whether it supports or contradicts traditional gender norms. By dissecting character roles, reactions, and narrative developments, readers and critics can gauge the tension created by gender expectations and explore the transformation of these roles throughout the story.