I am sane. Sanity is a valuable possession; I hoard it the way people once hoarded money. I save it, so I will have enough, when the time comes.
The quote reflects the character's determination to preserve her mental stability in a challenging and oppressive environment. The comparison of sanity to money highlights its importance and the need to guard it fiercely. In a world where values can be manipulated and sanity is at risk, holding on to one's mental health becomes a crucial form of resistance. The protagonist recognizes that maintaining her sanity is essential for survival, much like hoarding riches used to be essential for wealth accumulation.
This perspective reveals the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their sense of self and rationality. It underscores a theme prevalent throughout "The Handmaid's Tale," where characters navigate a society that seeks to strip them of their autonomy. The act of safeguarding sanity signifies a deeper struggle for autonomy and identity amid dehumanization. By valuing sanity as a rare and treasured asset, the character empowers herself, ensuring she has the resources to confront the challenges ahead.
