In "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, the protagonist experiences a profound sense of vulnerability while reading in the presence of the Commander. His silent observation creates an atmosphere that feels intensely intimate and sexually charged, amplifying her awareness of her exposure. The act of being watched transforms a simple task into something that stirs deeper emotions and a sense of discomfort.

This dynamic illustrates the power imbalance between them, with the Commander in a dominant position while the protagonist feels increasingly objectified. The reading becomes an act laden with implications about control, desire, and the complexities of their relationship, highlighting themes of surveillance and the nuances of female autonomy in a restrictive society.