This is similar to Pieixoto's prejudice left from Gilead. Atwood gives the first sense of Pieixoto's sexist nature here. This is emphasised when he describes the "Mayday underground" and speaks of it respectfully probably because it was run by men, unlike its counterpart the "underground Femaleroad". Pieixoto's sexism may give a clue why he is so dismissive of Offred. This shows us Pieixoto personality as a type of "Jack the lad" who makes cheeky sexual innuendoes. .
Through the Historical Notes, we get the idea that the character Pieixoto has a problem with calling "A Handmaids Tale" a "document". This is highlighted by the way Atwood has used hyphens as pauses either side of "I hesitate to use the word document". This frames the phrase, differentiating it from the rest of the paragraph as showing that it is a very important point.
We also have an insight into Pieixoto's ideas of Gilead. He says that historians cannot pass judgement on societies like Gilead. Obviously he is not shock at Gileadian policies as much as Offred. Atwood gives the idea that Pieixoto has an empathy with the society.
"Also, Gileadian society was under a good deal of pressure".
This, again, gives another point of view changing our interpretation of "A Handmaids Tale".
We also get a strong sense of negativity towards the character Offred from Pieixoto at several points throughout the Historical Notes. The first point is when he belittles Offred's education. This attitudes exists today with some Professors feel that American universities and degrees from them re not worth a lot. .
"She appears to be an educated woman, insofar as a graduate .
of any North American College of the time may be said to have.
Been educated".
Then, Pieixoto point out that the name "Serena Joy" was probably an invention of Offred's. Through the language that Atwood uses, shows that Pieixoto is very negative toward Offred. He uses words like "malicious" to make Offred sound bitter and twisted and that she was trying to deliberately hamper historians" work, which we know was unlikely.
