What is the purpose of a Handmaid?

What is the purpose of a Handmaid?

The Handmaid's sole purpose is to become pregnant, and if she doesn't, it's her own fault and she'll be punished by being sent to the Colonies. While men may be biologically sterile in Gilead, it's the women who shoulder the blame. Possessing a Handmaid is also a symbol of status for a Commander and his Wife.

Is there such a thing as a Handmaid?

A handmaiden, handmaid or maidservant is a personal maid or female servant. Depending on culture or historical period, a handmaiden may be of slave status or may be simply an employee. However, the term handmaiden generally implies lowly status.

Is The Handmaid a true story?

The Handmaid's Tale is NOT based on a true story. The drama is science fiction, set in a dystopian future where a totalitarian regime has overthrown the US government and created the Republic of Gilead. But the show, based on Margaret Atwood's 1985 novel of the same name, is inspired by religious and political history.

Can a Handmaid become an aunt?

To become an Aunt, a young woman must receive a calling to higher service. They then go through an interview process at Ardua Hall with the four Founding Aunts (Elizabeth, Helena, Vidala and Lydia in that order) to see if they have the right temperament to formally join.

Why do handmaids wear red?

The red color of the costumes worn by the Handmaids symbolizes fertility, which is the caste's primary function. Red suggests the blood of the menstrual cycle and of childbirth. ... The Handmaids' red garments, then, also symbolize the ambiguous sinfulness of the Handmaids' position in Gilead.

Does Aunt Lydia like Janine?

Throughout The Handmaid's Tale, Aunt Lydia shows a sincere attachment to Janine. Dowd told The Hollywood Reporter that this is because she wishes she had never removed Janine's eye, saying: “She made a mistake with Janine. She can't quite forgive herself for taking that eye out.

How many seasons of Handmaids?

• Don't worry, it will still all be based on the book. ‘The Handmaid’s Tale‘ showrunner Bruce Miller has revealed that there may be 10 seasons of the hit show.

What is the meaning of handmaiden?

• Definition of handmaiden. 1 : a personal maid or female servant. 2. : something whose essential function is to serve or assist. criticism is not the enemy of art but rather its handmaiden. —Gary Michael.

What is a handmaiden's tale about?

• The Handmaid's Tale is a dystopian novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood , originally published in 1985. It is set in a near-future New England, in a totalitarian state resembling a theonomy that overthrows the United States government. The novel focuses on the journey of the handmaid Offred.

What is the premise of Handmaid's tale?

• The premise of The Handmaid’s Tale is that environmental pollution has rendered most women infertile, and those who are still able to bear children are forced into sexual slavery as “handmaids” to powerful families. This is obviously based on an extremist interpretation of the biblical account of Rachel and Bilhah .