The Handmaids Tale Chapter 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Give a quote that describes the 'Guardians of the Faith'.

The Guardians aren't real soldiers. They're used for routine policing and other menial functions, digging up the commander's wife's garden for instance, and they're either stupid or older or disabled or very young, apart from the ones that are Eyes incognito.

What might 'Eyes incognito' mean? What does this show and what real-life scenario may have influenced Atwood to create this aspect of the novel?

This refers to people who are secretly Eyes within Gilead, spying on others and reporting anyone who is doing or saying anything wrong. It shows how oppressive the society is, where everyone feels they are being watched, reminiscent of the spies in Nazi Germany.

Give a quote that shows how cruel and merciless the Guardians of the Faith are in Gilead.

Last week they shot a woman, right about here. She was a Martha. She was fumbling in her robe for a pass, and they thought she was hunting for a bomb. They thought she was a man in disguise. There have been such incidents.

What does the quote about Offred teasing the guards tell us about her?

It shows that Offred is so starved of power and control that she enjoys using her allure to manipulate the guards, feeling a sense of power even in a restricted situation. Signup and view all the answers

What does the moment when Aunt Lydia compares women to seeds signify?

It shows the extent to which Gilead has infiltrated Offred's mind, highlighting the successful brainwashing and the disturbing nature of the regime. Signup and view all the answers

What does Offred’s statement about Ofglen indicate about trust in Gilead?

It shows that people operate on suspicion rather than trust, which creates feelings of paranoia, loneliness, and vulnerability. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Guardians of the Faith

Guardians serve basic roles in Gilead, not traditional soldiers, often involved in menial tasks.
They are typically older, disabled, young, or incompetent; only a few are Eyes in disguise.

Eyes Incognito

"Eyes incognito" refers to secretive spies monitoring and reporting anyone considered disobedient.
This constant surveillance creates a climate of fear and prevents complete trust among individuals.
Atwood’s portrayal of the Eyes draws parallels to the pervasive spying in Nazi Germany, where even children informed on adults, fostering paranoia.

Cruelty of the Guardians

A chilling incident illustrates the Guardians’ merciless nature: they shot a Martha for perceived threat due to her actions.
This highlights Gilead's casual approach to violence and reinforces Offred's justified fear and paranoia.

Offred's Power Dynamics

Offred experiences hunger for autonomy, navigating her oppression by deliberately enticing the Guards.
This moment reveals her manipulation of a power dynamic, where she derives enjoyment from the control she holds over the men's desire, despite the moral implications.

Impact of Aunt Lydia’s Teachings

Offred's internalization of Aunt Lydia’s influence is evident when she recalls her metaphor of women as seeds, highlighting deep brainwashing.
The unsettling association of oppressive societal norms with childhood innocence creates a disturbing atmosphere, emphasizing Gilead’s cruel regime.

Paranoia and Isolation

Offred's suspicion toward Ofglen reflects an environment where trust is scarce, breeding loneliness and insecurity.
This constant state of distrust significantly contributes to Offred’s feelings of vulnerability and emotional isolation in Gilead.

Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 4 from 'The Handmaid's Tale' with these flashcards. Explore key terms and quotes that highlight important themes and characters such as the 'Guardians of the Faith' and 'Eyes incognito'. Perfect for those studying Margaret Atwood's work.