In the dystopian world of Gilead, where Margaret Atwood’s novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” is set, Handmaids play a crucial and unique role in society. These women are assigned to Commanders and their wives with the sole purpose of helping the couple conceive a child. However, the life of a Handmaid is far from ordinary, as they are subjected to strict rules and regulations, and their worth is solely based on their ability to bear children.
A Handmaid is typically a fertile woman who, for various reasons, falls into the category of being assigned to a Commander. This could be due to a previous divorce, being married to a man who had been divorced before Gilead came into power, or simply never having been married. Regardless of the circumstances, Handmaids are chosen based on their reproductive capabilities, as Gilead’s declining birth rates are a major concern for the government.
Once assigned to a Commander and his wife, a Handmaid is given a new name, specifically chosen to reflect the identity of the man who possesses her. For example, the main protagonist of the story, Offred, gets her name from “Of Fred,” signifying that she belongs to Commander Fred Waterford. This naming convention is reminiscent of the way slaves were named in the past, further emphasizing the oppressive nature of Gilead’s society.
Being a Handmaid is not a voluntary role; it is an obligation imposed upon these women by the government. Their bodies become the property of the Commanders, and their every action is strictly monitored. Handmaids are expected to adhere to a set of rules that dictate their behavior, clothing, and interactions with others. Any deviation from these rules can result in severe punishment.
The primary duty of a Handmaid is to engage in the “ceremony,” a monthly ritual in which she is required to have sexual intercourse with the Commander while the Wife is present. This intimate act is not one of pleasure or love; it is purely a means to an end – procreation. If a Handmaid fails to become pregnant after two years of service, she is deemed “unfit” and is sent to the Colonies, a place known for its brutal conditions and high mortality rates.
While it may seem unjust for Handmaids to bear the blame for infertility in Gilead, the society’s patriarchal structure places the burden solely on women. Even if the Commander is biologically sterile, it is the Handmaid who is punished and held accountable. This skewed perspective not only reinforces gender inequality but also serves as a symbol of a Commander’s status and power. Possessing a Handmaid is a display of wealth and influence, showcasing a Commander’s ability to secure a fertile woman for himself and his Wife.
Handmaids in Gilead are fertile women assigned to Commanders and their wives with the aim of conceiving a child. They are stripped of their former identities, given new names that reflect the men who possess them. Handmaids face strict rules and regulations, and their value in society is solely based on their ability to become pregnant. Their lives are filled with ceremonies, monitoring, and the constant threat of punishment. The Handmaid’s Tale serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that arise when reproductive rights are stripped away and women are reduced to mere vessels for procreation.
What Is The Purpose Of A Handmaid?
The purpose of a Handmaid in Gilead is primarily to serve as a reproductive vessel for Commanders and their Wives. In this dystopian society, where infertility is widespread, Handmaids are tasked with the responsibility of bearing children on behalf of their assigned households.
Here are the key points regarding the purpose of a Handmaid:
1. Reproduction: The primary objective of a Handmaid is to conceive and bear children. Due to the declining fertility rates in Gilead, Handmaids are seen as a means to overcome this issue and ensure the continuation of the population. Their role is to provide a healthy child to the Commander and his Wife, fulfilling a societal duty.
2. Symbol of Status: Possessing a Handmaid is considered a symbol of status for Commanders and their Wives. It signifies their power, wealth, and ability to secure a fertile woman for reproductive purposes. Owning a Handmaid demonstrates a high social standing and reinforces the hierarchy within Gilead’s society.
3. Blame and Punishment: In the event that a Handmaid fails to become pregnant, she is held accountable and subjected to punishment. Any inability to conceive is perceived as the Handmaid’s fault, regardless of the actual biological reasons behind infertility. Handmaids face the risk of being labeled as “Unwomen” and subsequently being sent to the hazardous Colonies as punishment for their perceived failure.
4. Subjugation and Control: Handmaids are subjected to strict rules and regulations, designed to control their behavior and limit their autonomy. They are stripped of their identities and given new names, emphasizing their status as mere vessels for procreation. Handmaids are closely monitored, both physically and emotionally, to ensure compliance with their assigned role.
5. Role in the Household: Handmaids live within the households of the Commanders and their Wives, serving as a constant reminder of their reproductive purpose. They are expected to participate in a monthly ritual called the “Ceremony,” where they are sexually intimate with the Commander under the supervision of his Wife. This ritual is seen as a means to fulfill the biblical duty of procreation.
The purpose of a Handmaid in Gilead is to serve as a reproductive tool, fulfilling the societal need for procreation. They are symbols of status for the Commanders and their Wives, while also being subjected to blame, punishment, and strict control. The Handmaids’ role is to bear children for the households they are assigned to, and any failure in this regard is met with severe consequences.
What Makes Someone A Handmaid?
A handmaid is a specific role or position assigned to a fertile woman within the society of Gilead, as depicted in Margaret Atwood’s novel “The Handmaid’s Tale.” This dystopian society is characterized by strict religious and social hierarchies, where a handmaid’s primary purpose is to bear children for infertile couples, specifically the Commanders and their wives.
To become a handmaid, there are certain criteria that need to be met. These criteria include being a fertile woman who falls into one of the following categories: divorced, previously married to a man who had been divorced before Gilead, or never married. Women who meet these criteria are considered valuable assets in Gilead due to their ability to conceive and bear children.
Once identified as potential handmaids, these women undergo a selection process to determine their fitness for the role. This selection process is conducted by the government authorities, who evaluate various factors such as physical health, age, and obedience to Gilead’s strict social and religious codes. Those who pass the selection process are then assigned to a Commander and his wife.
During their assignment, handmaids are expected to live with their assigned Commander and his wife in their household. Their main duty is to engage in sexual intercourse with the Commander during the wife’s ovulation period, with the aim of conceiving a child. The handmaid becomes a vessel for the Commander’s seed, and any child she bears is considered the legal child of the Commander and his wife.
It is important to note that handmaids have limited personal freedom and agency. They are subjected to strict surveillance, control, and indoctrination within the household and wider society. Their every move is monitored, and any defiance or resistance is met with severe consequences.
Being a handmaid in the context of Gilead involves being a fertile woman who meets specific eligibility criteria. Handmaids serve as reproductive surrogates for infertile couples, particularly the Commanders and their wives. They are chosen through a selection process and are assigned to a Commander’s household, where their main role is to conceive and bear children for the couple. However, handmaids live under strict control and lack personal freedom within the oppressive society of Gilead.
Are Handmaids A Real Thing?
Handmaids, also known as handmaidens or maidservants, were indeed a real thing in various historical periods and cultures. These women held the position of personal maids or female servants, providing assistance to their employers or mistresses in various tasks.
Handmaids could be found in different social settings, ranging from wealthy households to royal courts. Depending on the specific culture or time period, the status of handmaids varied. In some cases, they were considered slaves, while in others, they were simply employed individuals.
To provide a more detailed insight, here is a breakdown of handmaids in different historical contexts:
1. Ancient Times: In ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, handmaids were commonly found in affluent households. They were responsible for tasks like dressing their mistresses, hair care, and assisting in daily activities. In some instances, handmaids were even tasked with attending to their mistress’ personal needs and acting as companions.
2. Medieval Period: During the Middle Ages, handmaids were prevalent in noble households and royal courts. They were often young women of lower social status who served noblewomen or queens. Their duties included attending to the lady’s personal needs, assisting with dressing, and sometimes even accompanying them to social events.
3. Colonial Era: In the colonial era, particularly in the United States, handmaids were enslaved women who served their owners in domestic roles. These women were responsible for tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children. They were considered property, and their lives were shaped by the institution of slavery.
It is important to note that the term “handmaid” generally implies a lowly status for the women in question. They were often seen as subservient to their employers, and their lives were defined by their service to others.
Handmaids were indeed a real thing in various historical periods and cultures. They served as personal maids or female servants, with their duties ranging from dressing and personal care to domestic chores. The status of handmaids varied, from slaves to employed individuals, depending on the specific culture and time period.
Why Are Handmaids Called Handmaids?
Handmaids are referred to as Handmaids because their title is derived from the possessive form of the name of the man who owns them. In the dystopian society depicted in Margaret Atwood’s novel and the television series “The Handmaid’s Tale,” these women are stripped of their own identities and are assigned names based on the men they serve. For instance, the main character, Offred, is named after her Commander, Fred Waterford. This naming convention is akin to how slaves were often named after their owners in historical contexts.
The purpose behind naming Handmaids in this manner is to reinforce the notion that they are mere property, existing solely to fulfill their reproductive function. By erasing their individual identities and assigning them names that are directly tied to the men who possess them, the oppressive regime in Gilead seeks to dehumanize and control these women completely.
It is important to note that the name “Handmaid” itself is also significant. The term “handmaid” traditionally refers to a female servant who assists another woman, typically in household tasks. In Gilead, however, the role of a Handmaid goes beyond serving domestic purposes. Handmaids are explicitly designated to bear children for the Commanders and their wives, acting as surrogate mothers due to the infertility crisis plaguing the society. Thus, the term “Handmaid” serves as a euphemism for their reproductive role, further reducing them to mere vessels for procreation.
Handmaids are called Handmaids because their names are derived from the men who possess them, similar to how slaves were named after their owners. This naming practice serves to dehumanize and control the Handmaids, erasing their individual identities and emphasizing their role as reproductive instruments in the dystopian society of Gilead.
Conclusion
Handmaids are fertile women who are assigned to Commanders and their wives in the oppressive society of Gilead. Their sole purpose is to help these couples conceive and bear children. Handmaids are chosen from those who are divorced, were previously married to a divorced man, or have never been married. They are named after the men who possess them, signifying their status as property. The blame for infertility is placed solely on the women, even though men may also be biologically sterile. Possessing a handmaid is seen as a symbol of status for Commanders and their wives. Handmaids are subject to punishment, such as being sent to the Colonies, if they fail to become pregnant. The term “handmaiden” historically implies a lowly status, and in Gilead, handmaids are treated as subservient and disposable. handmaids represent the extreme control and oppression of women in Gilead, where their reproductive abilities are exploited for the benefit of others.
