Characters
What is the narrator and main character of the novel
Offred
The group of women forced to have children for elite couples.
Handmaids
This basic right is forbidden for women in Gilead.
reading
A major theme involving control over women’s bodies.
loss of bodily autonomy
“Nolite te bastardes ______.”
carborundorum
The Commander’s wife who supports Gilead’s values despite suffering from them.
Serena Joy
Women responsible for cooking and household duties.
Marthas
The monthly ritual meant to produce children.
the Ceremony
Gilead uses religion to justify this
oppression
The Eye symbol represents this in Gilead.
surveillance
The strict Aunt who enforces rules at the Red Center.
Aunt Lydia
Women married to Commanders who wear blue
Wives
The color worn by Handmaids to symbolize fertility.
red
Offred’s memories represent this human need.
identity
Offred’s real name is never revealed to show this.
loss of identity
Offred’s walking partner who secretly resists the regime.
Ofglen
Women sent to clean toxic waste as punishment.
Colonies
Handmaids are renamed using “Of-” to show ownership by this person.
the Commander
The novel shows how controlling words gives power over people.
power of language
The Wall is used to display this consequence.
punishment
The Commander’s chauffeur who develops a secret relationship with Offred.
Nick
Gilead’s strict class system that controls every role in society.
social hierarchy (or caste system)
Public punishments are used to enforce obedience through this emotion.
fear
The idea that small acts can challenge authority.
resistance
Scrabble symbolizes this forbidden freedom.
intellectual freedom