Symbols
The color worn by handmaids that represents sexual sin
Red
The mountainous region East of the Jordan River that this country shares a name with
Gilead
What is ironic about the way Gilead society treats women?
They claim that women are valued but they are not given the freedom of making their own choices or body autonomy
Used as a symbol to represent infamy/immorality, fertility, and blood.
Red
Used as a symbol for fertility and life
Eggs
The two Biblical characters that the "red center" is actually named after
Rachel and Leah
Handmaids being forced into pregnancy as their sole purpose is an example of this theme
Gender inequality
Gilead claims to protect against this motif when they are only institutionalizing it
R*pe and sexual violence
Used as a symbol for paranoia/surveillance and is also the name for the Gilead's law enforcement
Eyes
The game Offred and the Commander play in his office during their secret meetings
Scrabble
Censorship, forced illiteracy, propaganda, manufactured crises and manipulation of religious and political language are all examples of this theme
Analysis of Tyranny
A symbol of beauty and fertility that women are often compared to
Flowers
A symbol used to represent identity
Mirror
The title of the magazine that the Commander gives to Offred as a gift
Vogue
Moira
"Marthas," "Commanders of the Faithful," "Guardians of the Faith," and "Angels" are all examples of this motif
Religious terminology used for political purposes
The flower that symbolizes a loss of women's rights
Lilies of the Field
The Biblical character who is also known as "the vain queen of Israel." Her name was used by the Aunts to criticize promiscuity
Jezebel
According to Atwood, control and executive power over one's own body is the key to this.
Protecting one's humanity, individualism, empathy and sanity.
The slogan of Gilead that demonstrates its combination of politics and religion
"God is a National Resource"