The Bond Between Agnes and Becka

The Testaments

The deep friendship and sisterly love between Agnes and Becka, strengthened by shared trauma and sacrifice.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Childhood Friends Childhood Friends from "The Testaments". An Unlikely Friendship The Outsider Becka is a dentist's daughter, lower in status than the Commander daughters. She is shy and often bullied.

Childhood Friends from "The Testaments". An Unlikely Friendship The Outsider Becka is a dentist's daughter, lower in status than the Commander daughters. She is shy and often bullied.

An Unlikely Friendship The Outsider Becka is a dentist's daughter, lower in status than the Commander daughters. She is shy and often bullied. Agnes is one of the few who is kind to her. They sit together in class, and Becka holds Agnes's hand under the desk. The Shared Secret Becka is traumatized by the story of the Concubine Cut into Twelve Pieces. She vows never to marry. Agnes senses that Becka has a deeper fear. She does not know about the abuse yet, but she feels protective. The Support When Agnes's mother dies and her status falls, Becka remains loyal. She slips her portions of lunch when others shun her. Their friendship is a lifeline in a hostile environment.

Reunited at Ardua Hall Reunited at Ardua Hall from "The Testaments". A New Home The Warm Welcome Becka is already a Supplicant when Agnes arrives. She hugs her and shows her the ropes. They share an apartment, Doorway C.

Reunited at Ardua Hall from "The Testaments". A New Home The Warm Welcome Becka is already a Supplicant when Agnes arrives. She hugs her and shows her the ropes. They share an apartment, Doorway C.

A New Home The Warm Welcome Becka is already a Supplicant when Agnes arrives. She hugs her and shows her the ropes. They share an apartment, Doorway C. They become constant companions. Becka helps Agnes learn to read. The Confessions Over the years, they share their deepest secrets. Agnes tells Becka about the dentist's abuse. Becka reveals her own abuse by her father. They weep together and vow to protect each other. Their bond is stronger than blood. The Prayer Becka teaches Agnes to pray in a way that is not about Gilead's God. They find solace in their faith. They dream of becoming Pearl Girls together, but those dreams are shattered by the arrival of Nicole.

Becka's Sacrifice Becka's Sacrifice from "The Testaments". A Final Gift The Promise When Aunt Lydia asks Becka to hide to delay the discovery, Becka immediately agrees. She knows the risk.

Becka's Sacrifice from "The Testaments". A Final Gift The Promise When Aunt Lydia asks Becka to hide to delay the discovery, Becka immediately agrees. She knows the risk.

A Final Gift The Promise When Aunt Lydia asks Becka to hide to delay the discovery, Becka immediately agrees. She knows the risk. She tells Agnes, 'I've never loved anyone but you.' Agnes says the same. They hug and cry. The Cistern Becka drains the water from the cistern and climbs inside. She is cold and alone. She dies there, either from hypothermia or drowning. Her body is found the next day. The sacrifice allows Agnes and Nicole to escape. The Legacy Agnes learns of Becka's death later. She is devastated but also grateful. She carries Becka's memory with her. The statue in Boston Common is dedicated to Becka, with the line 'Love is as strong as Death.' Their bond transcends death.

when they are students at the Vidala School

after Agnes arrives at Ardua Hall as a Supplicant

the night before the escape, when Becka agrees to hide in the cistern