motifs

• ' Everything except the wings around my face is red : the colour of blood, which defines us. ' - Offred, chapter 2


  
  

  • Colour 'red' is a symbol of fertility, Handmaids' only purpose is to reproduce
  • Bright colour, difficult to hide
  • have to look down, 'wings' don't give them full vision so don't have full power
• ' A contraction hits her ... one fo the women kneels and rubs her back. We are all good at this, we've had lessons. '- Offred, Chapter 21


  • Handmaids had lessons on childbirth at training centre, increases babies' survival/safe delivery
  • symbolises role of Handmaids - give brith to healthy babies for Wives
• ‘The Commander’s Wife looks down at the baby as if it’s a bouquet of flowers: something she’s won, a tribute.’


  • Simile highlights how having a child allows the Wife to climb the social ladder/be more respected by society.
  • Baby is symbol of status/power.