A Lesson in Humanity

There is a moving scene in Season 2, Episode 12, of The Handmaid's Tale. And there aren't a lot of them in this series.

Two young people in the camp--a girl, in a loveless marriage to Commander Waterford's driver, and a young man, a worker within the Republic of Gilead-- attempt to run off and experience love as best they can.

But they are found and brought back to face execution, the punishment in the totalitarian state for both adultery and escape.

They are taken to an Olympic size swimming pool on the grounds. All the Handmaids, the "Aunts," staff and others fill the bleachers inside as though it's some kind of sporting event.

The couple each have their hands shackled and each is linked to their own heavy steel ball and chain. As often happens in The Handmaid's Tale, scripture is dramatically read and misused to justify their deaths.

They are then thrown into the deep end of the pool and drowned. The camera pans the bleachers where the Handmaids are sobbing, and included with them is Serena Joy, Commander Waterford's wife. Tears are streaming her face and she is trembling with sorrow at what she has been forced to see.

Afterward, struggling to mother the child her Handmaid Offred and the commander conceived, Serena has a moment of humanity.

Up to this point, she has refused to allow Offred to see or touch the baby. But on her way to her room, Offred passes Serena's bedroom. The door is slightly open and she sees Serena pacing the floor, holding the child. Offred slowly walks into the room. The two women stare at each other both with tears in their eyes, still emotionally shattered by the execution of the young couple. Offred quietly sits in a chair, and in a stunning act of human warmth, Serena hands the baby to her.

There is a moment of tenderness between the women as Offred holds the child close and gently kisses her face. The emotion of the moment is overwhelming. And the episode ends.

Why did Serena allow herself, and Offred, this act of compassion? Previously, she had been hostile to and deeply resentful of Offred, even bitterly jealous of her. What changed?

Watching those two young people, who had only tried to find a little love together, be drowned in a public display of religious sacrilege and cruelty, forced Serena to her senses.

She realized, again, the madness of Gilead, the savageness of life in an oppressive, authoritarian state. Holding that sweet child completely disarmed her and broke down the barriers to all of her resistance to Offred.

There is something magical and mystical about a baby. They confront us with the Divine, with spirit and soul. They force open our conscience. They flood us with humility. They soften our sharpest edges.

Do we ever think of children today? What if we could take our focus off all the petty bickering and infighting, all the crass selfishness and ego, all the meanness and cruelty, and hold a child in our arms? Just for a little while.

Might we then become aware of our humanity and be kind to one another again.

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