The concept of women as valuable commodities, especially the iconic Baby Nicole, used for propaganda.
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Baby Nicole as Icon
A Symbol for All Sides
The Poster Child
Gilead uses Baby Nicole's image to rally support. She is featured on posters and brochures. The regime claims she was stolen by terrorists. The international community also uses her as a symbol of oppression.
The Real Person
Nicole grows up as Daisy, unaware of her iconic status. She is forced to become a symbol again when she returns to Gilead. She is a pawn in a larger game.
The Reclamation
By escaping, Nicole reclaims her own identity. She is no longer a symbol but a person. She becomes a hero in her own right. The Pearl of Great Price becomes a person of value, not just an object.
throughout the story, from Nicole's infancy to her return
