In the twisted, dystopian world of The Handmaid's Tale, characters are often forced into moral and ethical grey areas. Among these, Nick Blaine and Commander Joseph Lawrence stand out for their parallel paths of pragmatism and survival. Both men navigate the treacherous waters of Gilead, where survival often means playing by rules they don't necessarily believe in.
1. Pragmatism Over Idealism:
Nick: Originally a driver, Nick rises through the ranks to become a Commander. His rise is a study in survival, playing along with Gilead's brutal regime to stay alive. His marriage in Season 5 is not one of love but a strategic necessity, reflecting his willingness to compromise personal happiness for survival.
Lawrence: As an architect of Gilead's economy, Lawrence shows similar pragmatism. While he shows signs of regret and moral conflict, he remains part of the system, making calculated moves to maintain his position and safety.
2. Strategic Marriages:
Nick's Marriage: His union is a clear indication of his need to appear loyal to Gilead. The marriage serves as a protective guise, allowing him to navigate the political landscape while still harboring feelings for June.
Lawrence's Marriage to Naomi: After Warren Putnam's execution, Lawrence's decision to marry Naomi is equally strategic. It’s a move to protect himself and maintain his standing in Gilead, mirroring Nick’s earlier decision.
3. Internal Conflict and Resistance:
Nick: Despite his apparent loyalty to Gilead, Nick's actions often suggest a subtle resistance, especially in his deep, enduring love for June and efforts to support her, even at great risk to himself.
Lawrence: Lawrence, too, is a bundle of contradictions. His role in Emily's escape and other subtle acts of defiance indicate a quiet rebellion against the very system he helped create.
4. Emotional Complexity:
Nick's Duality: Nick’s character is layered with emotional complexity. His love for June, his role as a father, and his position as a Commander in Gilead create a multifaceted portrait of a man torn between duty and desire.
Lawrence’s Regret: Lawrence’s remorse over the consequences of his actions in shaping Gilead adds depth to his character. His often sardonic demeanor masks a deeper disillusionment with the world he helped build.
5. Instruments of Power, Yet Powerless:
Nick and Power Dynamics: Nick, despite his rank, often seems to be at the mercy of higher powers in Gilead, maneuvering carefully within the constraints imposed upon him.
Lawrence’s Power Struggle: Similarly, Lawrence, for all his intellectual prowess and high position, faces constraints and threats from those even more powerful or ruthless.
In conclusion, Nick Blaine and Joseph Lawrence are masterful studies in survival under a totalitarian regime. Their journeys in The Handmaid's Tale reflect the complex interplay of personal morality, pragmatic survival, and the quest for subtle forms of resistance within an oppressive system. Both characters, through their strategic marriages and internal conflicts, reveal the challenging balancing act of maintaining one's humanity in a world that consistently demands its sacrifice.
