Understanding the Roles in Gilead: Handmaid vs. Martha
In the chilling dystopian world of Margaret Atwood's novel, *The Handmaid's Tale*, and its popular television adaptation, two distinct roles for women are central to the functioning of the oppressive regime of Gilead: Handmaids and Marthas. While both are subjugated and stripped of their former lives, their purposes, daily routines, and even their living conditions are starkly different. For the average American reader trying to grasp the intricacies of this society, understanding these differences is key to comprehending Gilead's social hierarchy and its brutal enforcement of reproduction and domestic labor.
The Role of the Handmaid: A Vessel for Reproduction
The most visibly recognized and arguably the most terrifying role in Gilead is that of the Handmaid. Their entire existence is dictated by their biological capacity to bear children. In a society plagued by widespread infertility, Handmaids are women of childbearing age who are fertile and have been forcibly assigned to elite Commanders and their infertile Wives.
Key Characteristics and Duties of Handmaids:
- Primary Purpose: To conceive and bear children for their assigned Commander. This is their singular, mandated function.
- Appearance: They are instantly identifiable by their long, red robes and white wings, which obscure their faces and symbolize their role as vessels and their separation from society.
- Freedom and Movement: Handmaids have extremely limited freedom. They are accompanied by Eyes (Gilead's secret police) or other Handmaids when they leave their assigned home. Their movements are meticulously tracked.
- Living Quarters: They live in the Commander's household, typically in a designated room. They are fed and housed, but have no personal belongings and are treated as property.
- Daily Life: Their days are highly structured, revolving around a ritualistic ceremony of "the monthly appointment" with the Commander (which is essentially a forced sexual act with the Wife present), prayer meetings, and limited household chores that do not interfere with their reproductive duties.
- Social Status: They are the most visible symbols of Gilead's reproductive agenda but hold no individual power or respect. They are seen as living incubators.
- Punishment: Failure to conceive, disobedience, or any perceived transgression can lead to severe punishment, including being sent to the Colonies (toxic wasteland labor camps) or even execution.
The Role of the Martha: The Backbone of Domesticity
In stark contrast to the Handmaids, Marthas are women who are tasked with the essential, yet unglamorous, work of maintaining the households of the Commanders and other elite families. They are essentially domestic servants, performing all the tasks necessary to keep a Gilead household running.
Key Characteristics and Duties of Marthas:
- Primary Purpose: To manage and maintain the household, including cooking, cleaning, laundry, gardening, and other domestic labor. They are the unseen workforce that supports the ruling class.
- Appearance: Marthas wear modest, usually blue or green, uniforms that allow for more freedom of movement than the Handmaids' robes. They are not as visually distinctive but are clearly defined by their functional attire.
- Freedom and Movement: While still restricted, Marthas generally have more freedom of movement within their assigned household and may be allowed to travel to specific markets or shops for supplies, often in small groups. They are less under direct surveillance than Handmaids.
- Living Quarters: Marthas typically live in the servants' quarters of the Commander's house, separate from the main family.
- Daily Life: Their days are filled with arduous physical labor from dawn till dusk. They are responsible for the smooth functioning of the household, from preparing meals to mending clothes and maintaining the property.
- Social Status: Marthas are considered lower in the social hierarchy than the Wives but are essential to their comfort. They are largely invisible and unacknowledged for their work, but they are vital to the system.
- Punishment: While not as brutally enforced as for Handmaids, disobedience, laziness, or theft can result in severe punishment, potentially including reassignment to the Colonies.
Key Differences Summarized:
The fundamental difference between a Handmaid and a Martha lies in their designated purpose within Gilead's society:
- Handmaids are exclusively for reproduction.
- Marthas are exclusively for domestic labor and household management.
This distinction dictates their attire, their daily routines, their level of freedom, and their social standing. Handmaids are highly visible and symbolic, while Marthas are the unseen labor force. Both are stripped of their autonomy and subjected to the patriarchal control of Gilead, but their specific forms of servitude are distinct.
It is important to note that both Handmaids and Marthas are stripped of their names and former identities. Handmaids are often referred to by the possessive name of their Commander (e.g., "Offred" meaning "of Fred"), highlighting their status as property. Marthas retain their given names but are categorized by their function.
FAQ Section:
How are Handmaids chosen?
Handmaids are chosen based on their fertility. Women who are fertile and have been convicted of "unwomanly" behavior, such as being divorced, having had premarital sex, or being unable to have children in a previous marriage, are often forced into the Handmaid role. They are selected by the Aunts and assigned to Commanders by the state.
Why do Marthas wear blue or green uniforms?
The uniform colors are symbolic of their role. Blue is often associated with domesticity and servitude, while green can represent a more practical, working-class role. These colors distinguish them from the Wives (who wear blue, signifying wealth and status) and the Handmaids (who wear red, symbolizing fertility and sin).
Do Handmaids and Marthas interact?
Yes, Handmaids and Marthas do interact within the Commander's household. The Martha is responsible for preparing the Handmaid's meals, maintaining her room, and generally facilitating her existence within the home. This interaction often highlights the Handmaid's dependence and the Martha's subservient but essential role.
Can a Martha become a Handmaid, or vice versa?
It is extremely unlikely for a Martha to become a Handmaid. The Handmaid role is strictly for fertile women of childbearing age. A Martha, who is generally older and has completed her childbearing years, would not be considered. Conversely, a Handmaid's role is defined by her reproductive capacity; once that is deemed no longer viable, she might be reassigned to the Colonies or other labor, but not typically to the role of a Martha within a household.
