In Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale," the protagonist reflects on the nature of kindness and the emotional toll of oppression. The quote "her face might be kindly if she would smile" suggests that the potential for warmth and compassion exists within individuals, but it remains unexpressed due to the harsh realities they face. This highlights the impact of the oppressive regime on personal relationships and the human capacity for empathy.

This observation emphasizes how external circumstances can stifle genuine emotions. Even when people possess the ability to be kind, societal pressures and trauma can render those qualities dormant. Atwood's narrative invites readers to contemplate the significance of emotional expression and the innate humanity that persists, even under duress.