Answer to Question #234202 in English for Yusuf Yusuf

Question

How is language manipulated in the Gileadan regime? What do these titles reveal about their social status? Aunts, Angels, Handmaids, Marthas (in the Bible, Martha was the sister of Lazarus and Mary of Bethany and known for her obsession with housework.). Explain what each name means.

Answer 1

GILEADAN REGIME

   Language has been manipulated in the Gileadean regime due to the power of language that helps give its state over the actions and thoughts of the Handmaids. There has been fear of the individuals communicating openly. An incident of the repress of women by language is evident. It is captured when the handmaids do shopping for the household.

           Atwood has also demonstrated that language manipulation is crucial in achieving power. It is followed by virtual characteristics of human memory condition, self-expression, and self-identity. The further explanation by Gulick is that the Gilead Republic's manipulation of language to the citizen is through attempts of gaining more power. Gulick's idea is that language is the power over the control of society.

           The revelation of the aunts' title shows that they are the highest women ranking and are a powerful and strict disciplinary of women in the Republic of Gilead. To become an aunt, there has to be a calling to higher service to the young women. This is followed by an interview at Ardua hall with Helena, Elizabeth, Vidalia, and Lydia as the founding aunts. Aunts are responsible for discipline, training, and maintaining health for the pregnant handmaids.

           Another revelation of Angel's title shows; they are heroes in Gilead. It is seen through the defense of citizens and bringing of 'God's Wrath to the nation's enemies. The protection of the people is of their way of life.

          The third is the revelation of Martha's assignment to oversee the sins in women like infidelity. The rank of Marthas is higher than that of Handmaid. Their duty is to the commanders as servants of the household. They are infertile and loyal to the Gilead, which makes them responsible for the upbringing of the wives' children after the Handmaid has given birth. Martas have also arranged for the escape of June from the Waterford's.

Lastly, the Handmaids are also fertile women whose duty is to carry children for the families of the commanders and elite wives. It is possible because the Handmaid had been sinners in the previous lives. According to Snyder, handmaids are valuable resources to the state.