Who are the characters?
Offred speaks of Moira, her university friend. They seem to share the same interest in drinking and partying as well as both being at the same stage of their education, therefore sharing that in common. She also speaks about her mother and her mothers friends, describing them as very bohemian people, almost like hippies. She doesn't speak fondly of them.
From what parts of her past are they taken?
When she recalls her friendship with Moira, she is speaking of the time she spent at university or college, as they are both referring to classes and papers they've written. They must also be at least 21 years of age, because the talk about going out to drink and the drinking age in America is 21. When she speaks about her mother, she's speaking about her childhood. You can tell she's very young as her mother is taking her to feed the ducks. This is clearly a long time ago as she can't remember her specific age at the time.
What do they reveal about Offred's personal history?
Offred referring to Moira and her university life gives the impression that she's well educated. The fact that she went to university and speaks about studying English, psychology and economics shows that she's well read and studied. When she speaks about her mother and her friends, referring to her childhood, it shows how troubled with her mother. Their relationship was strained and not like that of a normal mother and daughter. She feels her mother favoured her friends over her.
Why is she exploring these memories, who is listening to them?
No one is listening to Offred while she remembers these memories. She expresses this at the end of the chapter when she says "I'll pretend you can hear me. But it's no good, because I know you can't." This shows that she knows no one is listening and it's pointless trying to get someone to listen to her. She's remembering these parts of her past because they're happier times for her and they evoke some kind of emotion. She seems to be trying to think of something pleasant in order to enjoy the only time she spends alone.
What forms of writing do first person narratives suggest?
The use of first person narratives could suggest that Offred could be writing a diary. The whole section is narrated by her, showing that she's simply telling it from her point of view. The lack of speech marks when she quotes other people also raises questions as to how she's documenting these thoughts or if she's just thinking them.
Are the memories being written down?
No, they are not being written down. Offred describes writing in "forbidden" and claims that it is no more than a "story I'm telling, in my head". Offred knows it's too risky for her to write down her thoughts as she could be punished, so she simply thinks them and remembers better times.
What tenses are used?
The past and present tenses are used. Offred speaks in the past when remembering her past memories but in the present when speaking of her current problems and thoughts. This logically makes sense and isn't surprising to the reader.
