What is the importance of Moira in the Margaret Atwood’s novel The Handmaid’s Tale ?

Moira is a strong character whose purpose and past life experiences influence her actions within the new Gilead regime. Moira is undoubtedly a post model for the handmaids in the novel as she is brave and is motivated by her beliefs from which she developed even before the regime was introduced. Moira is also Offreds partner with whom she can associate relief and trust. However, her determination for her own survival shows her to be selfish and dangerous.One of the underlying purposes of Moira in the novel is as a link to Offreds past. There are many make in the novel when Offred refers to her friendship with Moira before the regimeThere was a time we didnt hug after she told me she was gay, but then she said I didnt act upon her onThroughout the novel Moira is displayed as a flamboyant character, here, she leadingly jokes about her sexuality in order to comfort Offred. She appears to be a complete occupation to Offred as she is bold and out-going, her language is vulgar and brash. Furthermore, the fact that she is allowed to be gay in society shows how much more freedom there was in a pre-Gilead culture.Moira is a clear role model for the handmaids, especially Offred. She displays exceptional courage and determination throughout her time at the flushed CentreYou cant let her go slipping over the edge. That stuff is catchingWhen Janine shows weakness in the Red Centre, Moira takes it upon herself to help her and make sure the Aunts dont find her like it. The fact she tells Offred how to help Janine shows Moira plans to head for the hills. The escape from the Red Centre for the Handmaids is a fantasy, and when Moira successfully escapes, she too becomes their fantasy. Offred is particularly impressed by Moiras actions and at one point states if I were Moira, Id k presently how to take it apart This shows Offreds respect for Moira, and suggests her will to be like her. However, Offred makes no attempt to act like Moira, as her disbelief in herself is t oo strong.Although Moira is caring and a good friend to Offred, her plans to escape the regime are entirely selfishIve got to get out of here, Im going bats. I feel panicNot only does Moira not consider Offreds panic when she tells her she wants to pass but she also implies her escape will be on her own and for herself. Moiras put upance could be a direct danger to Offred, as she is associated as her friend and could therefore be considered either as a source of information for Moiras whereabouts or as a rebel herself. Although Offreds intentions for Moira to stay may also be selfish, as Moira is her only companion, and brings about an air of protectiveness and hope, because she never shows fear and always seems to believe she will escape.The fact Offred finds Moira in Jezebels hints she has been unsuccessful, as she has escaped to a place, which goes against herself and her idealsThat work youre with? Ive had him, hes the pitsThis quote shows she has slept with men, something sh e would not have been inclined to do in a pre-Gilead society, this clearly shows Moira is not a free woman. Moira is also wearing something she would not haven chosen freely, her out-fit is intended to make her look sexually attractive to men. This is something that Moira would have campaigned against before the new regime was introduced. The fact that Moira was unsuccessful makes her less of a role model in Offreds mind and her mistake was to be too determined. Moira acted on impulse and needed to seek a more powerful resistance than her. Offreds comfort she takes from Jezebels is maybe that the resistance she has discovered is her escape route. Offred now knows she can be successful without being Moira.So, Moira is a strong-minded politically aware woman. Her beliefs in womens liberation movement motivate her to resist the sexist regime she has been forced to comply with. Moira is a constant reminder of past life, as she represents freedom for women in a pre-Gilead and Gilead reg ime, although the sexism she now fights against is magnified in Gilead.Moiras determination is a contrast to Offreds, and her bravery is something, which all the Handmaids wish they had. Moiras heroine status makes her seem she can help any of them and they perceive her to be successful. However, in reality Moira has become a prostitute in Jezebels. Moira has become something that symbolises what she has fought against mentally and physically throughout her life. Moira is an example in the novel of failed determination. She shows that Offreds subtle attempts to resist the regime and find others like her are not useless.