Rita, busy preparing food, plays the indifferent mother role to Offred. Rita’s jealousy surfaces in the statement disguised as a question, “You got it all, huh.” Ironic that Offred thinks she has nothing while Rita thinks she has it all. Perspective is important. Remember, everyone covets what everyone else has in this household. (Carved radishes and Aztec hearts. Perhaps there’s something of an irony in Aztech hearts used as a cute design. The Aztec society was known to be, or at least portrayed to be, quite brutal with human sacrifices.) Rita makes her feel very much like a child when Offred must ask for a match to light her. Of course, Offred getting a favor from Serena Joy would do little to dispel Rita’s idea that Offred has it all. Offred is surprised when Rita offers her an ice cube (fitting since Rita is as cold as ice). She wonders if it’s a true sign of kindness or she knows Offred now has some sway in the household and must be appeased, or made happy. Offred tries to offer a kind statement. Rita’s...