The Handmaid's Tale 7

“Was taken, by a guardian, one of those with the red armbands who are in charge of such things.” (59)

“She’s in here usual Martha’s dress…” (9)

“A block past All Flesh, Ofglen pauses.... (30)

           Gilead is a theocratic society, meaning the government contains and is based on religion. Atwood emphasizes this with the names of everything—most having some religious origin. Guardian, Martha, and All Flesh are all somehow religious. This is especially true about the Eyes. They watch over the people at all times, representing the ever-watchfulness of God, and they punish people for wrong doings. Even their symbol, the winged eye, is also a symbol for God.

"Guardian | Define Guardian at Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com | Find             the Meanings and             Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com. Web. 05             Sept. 2011.             <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/guardian>.            

"Martha | Define Martha at Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com | Find the             Meanings             and             Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com. Web. 05             Sept. 2011.             <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/martha>.

"Angel | Define Angel at Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com | Find the             Meanings and             Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com. Web. 05             Sept. 2011.             <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/angel>.