Written Task 1

RationaleMy written task is the playscript of a soliloquy by Cora from the penultimate scene of a theatrical adaptation of Margaret Atwoods novel The Handmaids Tale, which links to Part 4 Literature: A Critical Study. Aimed at Atwoods readers and fans of dystopian or speculative fiction with the purpose to entertain, the scene takes place several days after Offred is taken away by the Mayday underground and just before the final scene, in which Serena Joy welcomes yet another Handmaid in.The ending parallels Offreds own entry into the household, showing the perpetual, continuous cycle of Handmaids passing through the house. Coras desire for a child is dependent upon these transient Handmaids, illuminating my agenda: how an oppressive regime makes futile the hopes and dreams of lower classes. Simultaneously, their ironic hypocrisy and self-imposed helplessness is highlighted in their judgment of the seemingly-influential Handmaids inaction despite being equal (or greater) in knowledge and power.I styled the piece after Lorraine Hansberrys play A Raisin in the Sun (which also concerns the hopes and dreams of lower classes); Coras actions are marked in italicized stage directions, elucidate her household role and emotional states. To target the audiences dystopian tastes, Cora uses the semantic field of religion in Lord and praise to adhere to the theocracy; she also restrains emotional outbursts like [throwing] the duster out of fear for the regime (that someonell hear). To characterize Coras voice and her lower class status, her speech reflects non-standard English features from her lines in the original novel: using non-standard conjunctions such as someonell or following modals such as could with of instead of the perfect infinitive have. Ellipses, pauses, and stuttering convey Coras uncertainty or denial, highlighting how the totalitarian Gilead regime frustrates her hopes and dreams, making them dependent on others.

Act ThreeScene FourThe scene opens on Offreds room. The chair, table, and lamp are in their places; all is in order. Enter CORA slowly from stage right, one hand on her cheek, the other clutching a mop and bucket. Her eyes red, she glances around the room almost nervously.CORA Another one! Again! I- I cant believe it. Taken away! I thought shed of been one of the good ones! State secrets? Oh, she could of been a s-spy! Lord knows what would of happened! No, the Guardians are doing their job, keeping us safe. Maybe this is good praise be. But I thought shed finally of been the one who could give meAnyways, th-theres no point worrying. Aint got all day. Shes gone now. And now its up to me to clean up whats left again.She begins to mop the room.Just like the morning after Ofwarrens Birth Day. Me cleaning the eggs and glass and juice with a cloth. I found her on the floor. Gave me a turn, I thought shed run off! But she woke up and said shed fainted. One of the early signs! I was so hopeful shed of one. I tried to help her. She came to the kitchen, she wanted to talk but Rita said it wouldnt of done, since- (Mimicking Rita.) -us Marthas arent supposed to! I tried to knock, bring her food, even lie to Rita for her, pretend I dropped the tray on my way out all because I thought she could of given me a child to look after but its all come to nothing! Now Ill always be childless!A child of my own to care for, to iron clothes for, to give cookies, when no-ones looking Having a child wasnt always my dream before all this started, I got my tubes tied. Thought Id be fine without. It could of been me, having children for Gilead! Its not what youd call hard work. I could have my own child, never worry about being sick, retired, Unwoman! Instead, I have to depend on Offred, and all I can do is hope!She sighs with longing, staring into the distance.Oh, if Id been assigned to Commander Warrens household! Paula told me all about her Birth Day at Commander Warrens household, some party I couldnt go to and all. She pretended to be useful, bringing them grape juice, so she got to see the whole thing! The Handmaids around the Birthing Stool, the blankets and tub ready for the Birth, and the long table with ham, cheese, even oranges! And, when the baby came out, its sweet, small cry! Oh, I wish I could of gone!She leaves, returning with duster and lemon oil.(Agitatedly) And of course, Paula rubbed it in! I ask her what shes buying, she tells me about the Birth Day of their Handmaid, Ofwarren. (Desperately) Nobody asking you, Paula! It aint fair!Poised to throw the duster, she hesitates. no, someonell hear.Pause. She resumes cleaning.Then again, who knows? Some Handmaids wont even clean. Greta told me they had to hold theirs down in the bathtub. No, old Offred was good just- without a child. I was stupid relying on her, hoping f- for the only thing that would make all this worthwhileShe pauses to wipe her eyes.When the Birthmobile came, I knew it wasnt for me, but I was so excited! I couldnt wait, couldnt stop smiling. I helped her with her cloak and rushed her out. Thought maybe it would encourage her. maybe it was silly to be so excited. She wasnt the one having the child. But what else could I of done? A pregnant pause. I want a child, but I- I cant do it on my own. I need Offred. I tried to protect her, because I thought- maybe I could hope. M- maybe we have one, soon.The bell that measures time rings, as in a nunnery.But of course, the Handmaids get everything. They can be useful, have children for Gilead. They can steal butter, flowers, matches. Meet men at night. Get taken out to places. Me? I just want a day off to be sick, but us Marthas got no choice!They get treated special, like when they go to the Commanders room to be the other woman. Some position of honor. Like all the Commanders magazines and all (Muttering) catch him, maybe. (Aloud) Its not fair! We dont know what she knows, what she sees. Wish I knew what was going on. But Rita says, what you dont know wont hurt you. Maybe its not all badSeeing the empty ceiling fixture reflected in the wet floor, she looks up at it.I can think of worse.Pause. She moves to dust the bed.(Looking at the bed) Every Ceremony, I hoped, m- maybe this would be the one, but we all know the Commanders past it. Then theres her visits to Nick at night out the door, into the garage, and up the stairs... theyll never know it isnt his. (Frowning) How come Handmaids get to break all the rules?(Shaking her head) Anyway, after all that, I thought Offred might finally do it. But every month, the same way. No child. Maam crying, because Offred is doing it, with her husband, out of her control. She wants a child, but she needs Offred. Funny that we both depend on OffredOh, but Offred is gone! Without her, Ill really be childless my whole life. UnlessMaybe we have another, soon. (Brightening) Yes! Old Offred came soon after the last one. Shes gone, so another will come, soon!The doorbell rings.Oh praise!She hurries to stage right. Maybe this time itll be different! Finally, well of a Birth Day right here, in this household!CORA exits hastily. The lights fade to black.

BibliographyMargaret Atwood, 1998. The Handmaid's Tale. 1st Anchor Books Edition. Anchor.Lorraine Hansberry, 1959. A Raisin In The Sun. 1st Turtleback Books Edition. Turtleback.