Both Uses of
chaste
in
The Handmaid's Tale
- We aren't going to the river though, we won't see the little cupolas on the buildings down that way, white with blue and gold trim, such chaste gaiety.†
Chpt 33 *chaste = not having sexual intercourse (ever, outside of marriage, or for a long time); or not involving sexual desire
- It's like screwing on the altar or something: your gang are supposed to be such chaste vessels.†
Chpt 38
Definitions:
-
(1)
(chaste as in: remained chaste) not having sex; or not involving sexual desireThe exact meaning of not having sex depends upon context. It can mean
- to be a virgin (never have sex)
- to be sexually inactive currently or for a long time
- to not have sex outside of marriage
-
(2)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) meaning too rare to warrant focus:
Much less commonly, chaste can refer to an unornamented simple style.