Why is Serena Infertile?
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Serena Waterford, a main character in The Handmaid’s Tale, is initially believed to be infertile due to injuries she sustained when she was shot in the lower abdomen by a protester in the days before Gilead, which damaged her reproductive organs. However, it is later revealed that Serena is not infertile, and she becomes pregnant with a child fathered by her husband Fred Waterford.
Understanding Fertility in The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale is set in a dystopian society where an environmental disaster has led to widespread infertility among women, and the few who are still fertile are forced into surrogacy.
Fertility and Infertility in Gilead
In the story, women who are fertile are forced to become Handmaids, while those who are infertile are often married to high-ranking officials in Gilead.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened to Serena’s reproductive organs? Serena’s reproductive organs were damaged when she was shot in the lower abdomen by a protester before Gilead.
- Is Serena infertile? No, Serena is not infertile, as she becomes pregnant with a child fathered by Fred Waterford.
- Why are the wives in The Handmaid’s Tale infertile? The wives in The Handmaid’s Tale are often infertile due to age or environmental factors that have affected their reproductive health.
- How do they determine fertility in The Handmaid’s Tale? Fertility is determined by a woman’s ability to become pregnant, and those who are fertile are forced into surrogacy as Handmaids.
- What happens to Handmaids when they are no longer fertile? Handmaids who are no longer fertile are sent to the Colonies, where they are forced to clean nuclear waste until they die.
- Can a Commander marry a Handmaid? No, Commanders are not allowed to marry Handmaids, as they are seen as property rather than wives.
- Are there any fertile wives in Gilead? Yes, there are some fertile wives in Gilead, but they are rare due to age and environmental factors.
- Who is the father of Serena’s baby? The father of Serena’s baby is Fred Waterford, her husband.
- How did Serena get pregnant? Serena became pregnant after having sex with Fred Waterford at a bed and breakfast.
- Does June forgive Serena? No, June does not forgive Serena for her past actions.
- Why does Aunt Lydia love Janine? Aunt Lydia loves Janine because she is loyal and dedicated to her, and she sees Janine as a way to feel whole again.
- Does Aunt Lydia destroy Gilead? Yes, Aunt Lydia plays a role in the destruction of Gilead by working with the resistance to smuggle information out of the country.
- Does Aunt Lydia go against Gilead? Yes, Aunt Lydia works against Gilead by secretly helping the resistance.
- Why did Aunt Lydia slap Esther? Aunt Lydia slapped Esther out of frustration and anger after Esther was raped by Warren Putnam.
- Does June love Nick or Luke? June loves Nick, as they share a deep connection and understanding due to their experiences in Gilead.