By the constant flashbacks to Offred’s past, highlights the difference between the two worlds. For example, when Offred’s describes about going to the doctor, she states “only now obligatory”, which demonstrates the lack of freedom. Similar to other regimes in real life, in order to gain control, citizens are stripped of their identity. In offred’s case, she lost her name and control over her body. Offred –> Of fred, signifies that Offred belongs to Fred, the commander, or rather Gilead. This is reinforced by the tattoo on her ankle.