Power and Control

The mechanisms of power in Gilead, from surveillance to dress codes to language control.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Surveillance

Surveillance The Eyes The Eyes are everywhere. Black vans patrol the streets. Informants are common. No one can be trusted. The Checkpoints Handmaids are checked at barriers. Their passes are stamped. They are tracked. The regime monitors all movement. The Fear Offred lives in constant fear of being watched. She must be careful what she says. The surveillance is a form of control.

Dress Codes

Dress Codes The Red Dress Handmaids wear red, the color of blood. The dress is modest, concealing. It marks them as vessels. The White Wings The white wings restrict vision. They prevent Handmaids from seeing or being seen. They are a symbol of their invisibility. The Tattoo Offred has a tattoo on her ankle, a passport in reverse. It marks her as property. The body is controlled.

Language Control

Language Control The Forbidden Words Certain words are banned: "free," "love." Handmaids cannot read or write. The Bible is locked up. The Patronymics Handmaids are named after their Commanders: Offred, Ofglen. Their real names are erased. Language is a tool of power. The Resistance Offred clings to her secret name. She tells her story. Language is also a tool of resistance.

throughout the narrative

throughout the narrative

throughout the narrative