I don't want her to be like me. Give in, go along, save her skin. That is what it comes down to. I want gallantry from her, swashbuckling, heroism, single-handed combat. Something I lack.
In "The Handmaid's Tale," the narrator expresses a desire for the next generation, particularly her daughter, to embody traits she feels she lacks. She believes it is essential for her daughter to be brave and adventurous, rather than merely conforming to societal expectations or compromising for safety. The speaker's reflections reveal a deep internal struggle with the limitations imposed by her environment.
This longing for her daughter to embrace qualities like gallantry and heroism highlights the tension between individuality and survival in a repressive society. The narrator's wish for her daughter to pursue a bold and independent life underscores the themes of autonomy and resistance against authoritarian control prevalent in the novel.
