In the excerpt from Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel, 'The Handmaid's Tale', the protagonist Offred reflects on her life before the regime took power. She recounts memories of her family, her job, and the freedoms she once enjoyed. By juxtaposing her past with her current situation, Offred underscores the profound changes in her reality. The author uses vivid imagery and poignant language to evoke a sense of loss and longing. The passage concludes with Offred contemplating her desire to reclaim her lost identity and agency within a restrictive society.