Becka's Sacrifice

Becka, abused by her father, becomes an Aunt and ultimately sacrifices her life to help Agnes and Nicole escape.

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The Abuse

A Hidden Trauma The Father's Crime Becka is sexually abused by her father, Dr. Grove, starting when she was four years old. She is terrified and ashamed. She cannot tell anyone because she knows she will be blamed or disbelieved. The abuse warps her view of men and marriage. The Scars Becka is withdrawn and fearful. She is the only one who asks about the story of the Concubine Cut into Twelve Pieces, and she weeps. She later slashes her wrist with secateurs rather than face marriage to a Commander. The act is a cry for help. The Rescue Aunt Lydia intervenes, allowing Becka to become a Supplicant at Ardua Hall. Becka is grateful and finds a purpose in reading and prayer. She becomes Aunt Immortelle, but the trauma still haunts her. She is kind and gentle, but also fragile.

The Particicution of Dr. Grove

Justice and Horror The False Accusation Aunt Elizabeth falsely accuses Dr. Grove of raping her, a setup orchestrated by Aunt Lydia. Grove is sentenced to die by Particicution. Becka is forced to witness the execution of her father, who is torn apart by Handmaids. The Collapse Becka faints during the Particicution. She is wracked with guilt, even though she knows he was guilty of abusing her. She blames herself for his death, believing that her confession to Agnes led to the plot. She cannot forgive herself. The Aftermath Becka becomes even more fragile. She agrees to hide in the water cistern to help Agnes and Nicole escape. She knows that if she is discovered, she will be killed. Her sacrifice is a way to atone for her perceived sin and to protect the only people she loves.

Death in the Cistern

A Final Act of Love The Hiding Place Becka drains the water from the cistern and climbs inside. She intends to stay hidden for forty-eight hours, but the cold and the lack of air kill her. She is found by the Works Department, blocking the outlet. Her underwear is neatly folded on the ladder. The Cover-Up Aunt Lydia announces that Becka died in an accident while trying to fix the cistern. She is given a dignified funeral. The truth is hidden to protect the escape plan. But Agnes and Nicole know the truth: Becka gave her life for them. The Memorial Years later, a statue is erected in Boston Common in memory of Becka, with the inscription: 'Love is as strong as Death.' The statue bears the names of her sisters, Agnes and Nicole, and their families. Becka's sacrifice is not forgotten.

during Becka's childhood, before she enters Ardua Hall

the day of the Particicution, near the end of the story

the day after Agnes and Nicole escape, when Becka is found dead