The night is mine, my own time, to do with it as I will, as long as I am quiet. As long as I don't move. As long as I lie still. The difference between and . Lay is always passive.
In "The Handmaid's Tale," the protagonist reflects on her experience of solitude during the night, which she considers her own time. This quiet period allows her a sense of freedom, as she can engage in her thoughts and desires without interference, provided she remains still and unobtrusive. The act of lying down symbolizes a passive existence, where she is not taking active steps in the world around her but is confined to her own internal landscape.
The choice of words highlights the contrast between passivity and activity. By laying still, she acknowledges the constraints of her situation while also reclaiming a small sense of ownership over her time. This moment of stillness emphasizes the struggle for agency within an oppressive environment, where even the slightest movement can be restricted, making moments of silence and solitude incredibly significant.
