The women who work in the households are called “the Marthas.” In the Bible, Martha was a woman who served Jesus; she was known for her hospitality. Since there are not very many woman referenced in the Bible, Martha does stand out as a female of the time. Atwood weaves Biblical references into the development of The Handmaid’s Tale. “Marthas” in the Handmaid’s Tale serve others. Marthas were women who were either unable to conceive or past the time in life when they could have children. They were not woman with any social rank. They were servers, but we are allowed to know their real names too. The Marthas are not threatening to the totalitarian state, and they have an accepted, assigned role in the culture.
“Martha.” Bible History Online. 20 April 2010.
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