Characters
Who did Offred have an affair with in her old life?
Luke.
Why do the Handmaids' names start with "Of"?
The Of is meant to say that the Handmaids belong to someone ("Of"-"Fred", "Of"-"Glen").
What does the color red symbolize?
It is worn my the Handmaids to symbolize their fertility, blood, and menstrual cycle.
What are the other roles that women fill in the Gilead?
Marthas, Wives, and Aunts (All roles consist of household activities).
What is the resistance called?
Mayday.
What is Offred's relationship with Moira?
Moira was her best friend.
What is the Commander responsible for?
The household, war, and trying to contribute to the birthrate.
What do the Wings on the Handmaids clothes symbolize?
The wings restricts their vision, and makes the Handmaids' appear invisible. It reflects enforced modesty and obedience.
What does The Ceremony represent?
State-Sanctioned rape, and control over women's bodies as a mere means of body utility and reproduction.
What does Offred do with the pat of butter, and why?
Handmaids are not allowed the pleasures of cosmetics and anything in relation to it unless necessary, and the butter was used as lotion. She broke the rules to maintain her own hygiene.
Who is Nick?
Nick is the Commander's driver, and is Offred's lover.
What is The Eye?
Secret police and agency that makes sure that everything stays in check in the Republic of the Gilead.
What is the significance of the Unwomen?
They signify their lack of importance to the Gilead, and their inability to bear children.
The Bible; it toys with the Old Testament in order to justify reproductive slavery.
What is the significance of this phrase: "Nolite Te Bastardes" in terms of resistance?
"Don't let the bastards grind you down."
It is used as a means of communication between the Handmaids to fight the odds against oppression.
What is Aunt Lydia's job?
To teach and train the girls to become Handmaids.
What do people do to end up on The Wall?
Those who commit "crimes" against the Republic are hung on The Wall (being doctor, abortions, etc).
What are Soul Scrolls?
Why do Handmaids rely on memory?
The Gilead has restricted them from reading, writing, and inscripting names in order to maintain their control over them, and to prevent rebellions.
What does Moira do to make her escape at the Red Center?
She threatens Aunt Elizabeth with a sharp lever she pulled from the toilet.
Who is the handmaid that gave birth?
Janine.
What is the Red Center?
The school where the Handmaids are trained.
What is the symbolism of Serena Joys Garden?
It symbolizes the fertility that she herself lacks.
What does the Scrabble game with the Commander represent?
An act of rebellion, and service of humanity for Offred.
What is The Martha Network?
An underground resistance network of Marthas, where they exchange information, smuggle food, and express their resistance.