The narrator reflects on a seemingly ordinary Saturday morning in September, characterized by the sound of a ticking clock and the action of lighting a cigarette. She notes the presence of a car, a privilege others have lost, highlighting a sense of survival despite the oppressive circumstances. This atmosphere conveys a mix of routine and tension, suggesting an underlying unease in their current existence.

The protagonist grapples with her identity, expressing that her true name has been stripped away and replaced by the designation "Offred," which signifies her subjugation. Despite attempting to convince herself that a name holds little value, she acknowledges its significance as a marker of individuality and humanity. This internal conflict emphasizes the power of names and identity in a society that seeks to dehumanize its inhabitants.