Emily’s journey: before, during, and after Gilead
Emily Malek: a life before The Handmaid’s Tale
Before the oppressive regime of Gilead took hold, Emily Malek lived a fulfilling life. She was a respected college professor, specializing in the field of biology. Her personal life was equally rich, as she was married to Sylvia and they shared a son named Oliver. This idyllic existence was shattered when a new law was enacted, banning same-sex marriage. While attempting to flee to Canada with her family, Emily was detained at the airport. Her identity as Oliver’s birth mother, coupled with the new discriminatory law, sealed her fate and marked the beginning of her harrowing journey into the world of Gilead.
Handmaid in Gilead: from professor to handmaid
Upon entering Gilead, Emily’s identity and purpose were brutally redefined. Stripped of her former life and profession, she was forced into the role of a Handmaid. This meant she was assigned to various commanders, serving their reproductive needs under strict surveillance. Throughout her time as a Handmaid, she was known by different designations, including Ofglen, Ofsteven, and Ofjoseph, serving commanders such as Commander Glen, Commander Steven, Commander Roy, and Commander Lawrence. Her experiences as a Handmaid were marked by profound loss, trauma, and a constant struggle for survival within the brutal patriarchal system.
The colonies and escape: what happened to Emily in The Handmaid’s Tale?
Punishment and survival in the colonies
Emily’s defiance and actions within Gilead led to severe repercussions. For an affair with a Martha, she endured a forced clitoridectomy, a brutal punishment that fueled her desire for revenge. Later, for stealing a car and running over a Guardian, she was sent to the Colonies. This desolate wasteland served as a punishment for those deemed unfit or rebellious by the regime. Despite the harsh conditions and the constant threat of death, Emily managed to survive. In a desperate act of resistance, she poisoned a Commander’s wife in the Colonies, motivated by the wife’s complicity in the rape of other women. Her resilience in this unforgiving environment showcased her indomitable spirit.
The Mayday resistance and escape from Gilead
Emily was not alone in her fight against Gilead. She was revealed to be a vital member of the Mayday resistance movement, a clandestine network working to undermine and dismantle the oppressive regime. Her involvement with Mayday provided her with crucial support and opportunities. Following the Red Center Bombing, Emily was retrieved from the Colonies. In a pivotal moment, she once again became a Handmaid, but this time, with a clearer path to escape. In a daring act of defiance, Emily attacked Aunt Lydia, stabbing her and pushing her down the stairs. This allowed her to escape Gilead, taking baby Nicole with her and ultimately reaching Canada.
Return to Canada and the fight for revenge
Reunion with family and the struggle with trauma
Reaching Canada offered Emily a semblance of freedom and a chance to rebuild her life. She was reunited with her wife Sylvia and son Oliver. However, the years of abuse and trauma inflicted by Gilead left deep scars. Coping with these psychological wounds proved to be an immense challenge. Despite being in a safe environment, the memories and the weight of her experiences continued to haunt her, making it difficult to fully reintegrate into a normal life.
Emily’s decision to return to Gilead
The trauma Emily endured, coupled with the injustices she witnessed and experienced, fueled a burning desire for revenge. She realized that simply escaping Gilead was not enough; she needed to actively participate in its downfall. This profound sense of injustice and the need to fight for a better future for others led to her difficult decision to return to Gilead. She confessed to killing a Commander and a Wife in Gilead and played a significant role in the murder of Commander Fred Waterford, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the cause.
Alexis Bledel’s departure and Emily’s fate
Why Alexis Bledel left The Handmaid’s Tale
The departure of actress Alexis Bledel, who portrayed Emily, marked a significant turning point for the character and the series. Bledel made the personal decision to leave The Handmaid’s Tale after Season 4. Her exit was driven by her own creative choices and a desire to explore new opportunities, rather than any issues with the show itself. She did not immediately star in other projects, taking a period of rest from acting.
The legacy of Emily’s story in The Handmaid’s Tale
Emily’s story arc is central to understanding the profound cruelty of Gilead and the development of other characters, particularly June. Her journey from a respected professor to a traumatized Handmaid, a survivor of the Colonies, and a determined resistance fighter highlights the devastating impact of the regime. Emily’s decision to return to Gilead, as explained by showrunner Bruce Miller, felt „inevitable” and was influenced by the real emotions surrounding Bledel’s departure. This choice underscored her unyielding commitment to fighting the regime and seeking justice. In the series finale, Emily’s return to Gilead to reunite with June in a freed Boston signifies her enduring legacy as a symbol of resilience and the relentless pursuit of freedom.
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