The Handmaid's Tale (RPG)

In Gilead, childbirth is treated almost like a religious and political ceremony. It is not seen as an intimate moment for the mother, but as a "sacred event" for Gilead.

How does childbirth happen?

When the Handmaid goes into labor:

Other handmaids are called;

The wife of the house participates;

Doctors stay nearby;

The whole house goes on alert.

The Handmaids provide emotional support and repeat religious phrases to encourage the pregnant woman.

The Role of the Wife

One of the strangest parts of the ritual is that the Wife:

She sits behind the Maid;

Hold her during the contractions;

She symbolically pretends that she is also giving birth.

This serves to reinforce the idea that:

The baby belongs to the Commander's family;

The Aia is merely the "reproductive body".

After the baby is born

If the baby is born healthy:

Everyone is celebrating;

The child is given to the Wife;

The Commander receives prestige;

The nanny can breastfeed temporarily.

But then:

She is usually separated from the baby;

The son officially becomes part of the wealthy family.

The emotional state of the Handmaid

Many Handmaids:

They create a strong bond with the baby;

They suffer emotionally;

They become desperate when they lose their child.

Since they have no legal rights over the children, the birth ends up happening simultaneously:

an important moment;

and extremely traumatic.

If something goes wrong

If:

The baby is stillborn;

There are deformations;

The pregnancy fails;

The climate changes completely.

Gilead:

Treat this as a tragedy and a shame;

He usually blames the woman;

He avoids talking about male infertility.

This further increases the pressure on the Handmaids.

These women are secretly used for the entertainment of the powerful men of Gilead. They live in a clandestine place called Jezebel's, a kind of forbidden club frequented by commanders and members of the elite.

What is Jezebel's?

Officially, Gilead claims to be an extremely religious and "pure" society. But hidden from the public is Jezebel's, where:

alcohol;

makeup;

revealing clothing;

music;

parties;

forbidden relationships

They are permitted for elite men.

This shows the hypocrisy of the regime.

Who will become Jezebel?

Generally:

women considered "rebellious";

former teachers;

independent women;

people who didn't fit in Gilead;

some former Handmaids;

Attractive women whom the regime decided to exploit.

Many are given a false "choice":

Go to the Colonies (almost certain death);

or turn into Jezebel.

What do they do?

The Jezebels:

They entertain commanders;

They accompany influential men;

They work at the club;

They chat, drink, and socialize with the visitors.

They live as part of a secret system of exploitation created by the male elite.

How do they live?

Despite having:

more makeup;

modern clothes;

more visual freedom;

Their lives continue to be extremely controlled.

They:

They are not free;

They cannot go out normally;

They live in isolation;

They can easily disappear if they disobey.

The difference between Handmaids and Jezebels

Ladies

used for reproduction;

rigid and religious appearance;

They live in commanders' houses.

Jezebels

used for secret entertainment;

sensual and forbidden appearance;

They live hidden from public society.

Both are different forms of control and exploitation of women in Gilead.

The Handmaids live primarily within the homes of the Commanders, because their function is to bear children for these elite families.

Commanders' Houses

The Maid:

He receives a simple room;

lives under constant surveillance;

There is little privacy;

follows strict schedules;

She can almost never go out alone.

These houses are usually:

silent;

organized;

Luxurious by Gilead standards;

full of rules.

Even though she lives there, the Handmaid is not part of the family.

The Handmaid's Room

The rooms usually have:

bed;

small cupboard;

limited window;

few personal belongings.

Normally:

There are no large mirrors;

There are no dangerous objects;

Everything is done to prevent escape or suicide.

The environment is designed to emotionally control the Handmaids.

Can they go out?

Yes, but rarely alone.

The Handmaids:

They go out shopping;

They go to ceremonies;

They participate in religious events.

But:

They walk in pairs;

They are being watched;

They cannot talk freely;

They live surrounded by guards and espionage.

Training center

Before being sent to their homes, many Handmaids go through:

Red Center.

There they are:

They undergo indoctrination;

They learn the rules;

They receive punishments;

They are trained by the Aunts.

It's practically a brainwashing center.

After pregnancy

When the baby is born:

The nanny may breastfeed for a short period of time;

then it is usually moved to another house;

It all starts again with a different Commander.

Therefore, many live without emotional stability or a sense of belonging.

When a Handmaid becomes pregnant, she receives different treatment because pregnancy is considered extremely valuable in Gilead.

During pregnancy

The Maid:

receives more protection;

It is being watched even more closely;

Get better nutrition;

avoids heavy work;

It becomes a kind of "treasure" of the house.

The wives and commanders do everything they can to ensure the baby is born healthy.

Is she still living with the couple?

Yes. While pregnant, the Handmaid usually continues to live in the Commander and Wife's house.

But she remains merely a "reproductive servant," not a real part of the family.

The wife usually acts as if the baby has been hers from the start.

Childbirth

Childbirth in Gilead is almost a collective ritual:

Other handmaids help;

The wives stay together in another room;

The Wife symbolically imitates the Handmaid's pains;

Everything revolves around the child.

This reinforces the idea that the baby "belongs" to the wealthy family.

After the baby is born

Most of the time:

The baby is handed over to the Commander and his wife;

The nanny can breastfeed for a period of time;

Then she is sent to another house.

She can rarely raise her own child.

The emotional connection

This is one of the most painful aspects of the story.

Many Handmaids:

They create a bond with the baby;

They suffer emotionally when they lose a child;

They become depressed;

They try to run away with their children.

But Gilead considers the "true" mother to be the Wife of the family.

If the baby is born healthy

A healthy baby:

It increases the status of the house;

It brings prestige to the Commander;

It can temporarily protect the Handmaid from punishment.

Fertility is so rare that a successful Handmaid gains a certain "value" within the system.

If something goes wrong

If:

The baby dies;

born with serious problems;

The pregnancy fails;

The blame usually falls on the Handmaid, even when the problem may stem from the man or the conditions of the world.

Europe and other countries Little is shown directly, but there are references to: governments that are still democratic; International criticism against Gilead; economic sanctions; Refugees scattered around the world. Some countries: They condemn Gilead; Others make diplomatic agreements for political gain. Wars and resistance The US hasn't disappeared entirely. There are still: rebel territories; armed conflicts; clandestine resistance; Americans fighting against Gilead. The country is experiencing a kind of ongoing civil war. How the world sees Gilead Many countries view Gilead as: brutal; extremist; oppressive. But some governments tolerate Gilead because: She possesses military power; controls resources; It is able to produce a greater number of healthy children. This creates a tense political climate throughout the world. The message of the work The world outside of Gilead serves to show that: Democracies can fall; Crises can generate extremism; Collective fear facilitates authoritarian regimes; Rights may gradually disappear. The story uses this setting to create a very heavy and realistic political and social dystopia.

The global crisis Before Gilead emerged, the world faced: extreme pollution; illnesses; wars; radiation; environmental disasters; drastic drop in fertility. Many babies: They died; They were born with deformities; They did not survive. The shortage of children caused worldwide panic. What happened in the United States In the former USA: An extremist religious group called Sons of Jacob seized power; There were terrorist attacks; Politicians were assassinated; The Constitution was suspended; The Republic of Gilead was born. The government justified everything by saying it needed to "save humanity." Canada Canada remains a democratic country and has become a prime refuge for: fugitives; refugees; former Maids; opponents of Gilead. There: Women have rights; There is a press; Gilead is viewed with horror by many people. But Canada is also under political and economic pressure because of Gilead. Mexico In the series, Mexico is shown negotiating with Gilead because it also suffers from infertility. This shows that: The birth rate crisis is not unique to the US; Some countries are considering copying parts of the Gilead system. Europe and other countries Little is shown directly, but there are references to: governments that are still democratic; International criticism against Gilead; economic sanctions; Refugees scattered around the world. Some countries: They condemn Gilead; Others make diplomatic agreements for political gain.

If she can't get pregnant Depending on social standing: may suffer humiliation; to lose respect; to live under suspicion; to be considered "cursed". But Gilead rarely admits to male infertility. Constant fear Even the daughters of commanders live in fear because they know that: Any mistake can destroy your position; Society controls their bodies; They never have true freedom. That's why many girls in Gilead grow up repressed, anxious, and emotionally controlled by the system.

Weddings In Gilead: Many marriages are arranged; Girls can get married very young; Love is not a priority; What matters is fertility and obedience. Children who question the system Questioning Gilead is dangerous. Rebellious children may: to suffer punishment; to be isolated; to undergo re-education; disappear along with the family. Therefore, fear is part of their upbringing from an early age. The objective of the regime The main goal is to create new generations that: never know freedom; Accept authoritarianism as normal; They will continue to support Gilead in the future. If she is the daughter of an important family If the girl is raised by: commanders; loyal families; Gilead's elite; She is usually prepared to become a wife. In that case: receives religious education; Learn etiquette and obedience; She can get married while still a teenager; She should bear children for her husband in the future. Her fertility is seen as "a blessing". If she “sins” against the rules Even if a woman is fertile, she can lose status if: try to escape; to commit adultery; disobey; have forbidden relationships; to challenge the regime. Then she can be transformed into a Handmaid. This means: to lose one's own name; Use red; being forced to get pregnant for other families. In other words, even women from the elite can fall in status. How Gilead views fertile girls Gilead does not view fertility as a personal matter. The female body is treated as: State property; religious duty; national resource. The girl grows up knowing that: Its value lies in bearing children; Marriage is mandatory; Motherhood is an obligation. Pregnancy and blood pressure When a fertile woman gets married: you are expected to get pregnant quickly; Infertility is considered shameful; Often the blame falls on the woman, even when the man may be infertile. Having children increases her social status.

How children are raised Controlled education Schools teach: extreme religion; obedience; social roles; fear of sin. Children hardly learn science, critical thinking, or individual freedom. Everything is focused on: to serve the regime; to train future wives; To train soldiers and commanders. Girls Infancy Girls are taught to: to sew; to cook; take care of the house; obey men; to be "pure". They grow up hearing that: Women should be submissive; Fertility is sacred; Marriage is an obligation. Many times they don't learn to read. Adolescence When they become teenagers: They can be promised in marriage; They are evaluated based on their fertility; They start wearing more formal clothes; They live under constant surveillance. Daughters of commanders tend to have more comfort, but still lack real freedom. Boys Male education Boys receive more education than girls. They learn: religion; Gilead's policy; fight; military discipline; male leadership. They are prepared for: Turn into Guardians; soldiers; workers; future commanders. Psychological indoctrination Children grow up without knowing true freedom. The regime: controls books; controls language; Controls friendships; Controls information. Many children sincerely believe that the system is normal. Stolen children One of the cruelest elements of Gilead is that many children were taken from their original parents after the regime was established. Children of: rebels; divorced; LGBTQIA+ people; political opponents; They were given to families loyal to the government. These children: They receive new names; They forget the past; They grow up believing that their new parents are their "real" family.

Their position depends on: political status; religion; Loyalty to the regime; social class; military function. Commanders They are the most powerful men in Gilead. They: They govern the country; They create laws; They control the families; They have maids; They have enormous privileges. They live in luxurious homes and are part of the political and military elite. Angels They are soldiers sent to wars and military missions. Features: considered "heroes" of the regime; They can gain social status; Some manage to get wives through military merit. Guardians Men of lower rank who work as: guards; drivers; security guards; armed security. Some young people start out as Guardians and can rise through the ranks. They are Gilead's secret police. They: They spy on citizens; They investigate betrayals; They arrest opponents; They cause constant fear. Nobody knows exactly who an "Eye" is, so everyone lives in distrust. Econohomens Ordinary working-class men. They: They have fewer privileges; They live simpler lives; They usually have only one wife; They strictly follow the rules in order to survive. Drivers and workers There are men responsible for: transport; agriculture; factories; basic services. Even poor men still have more rights than women in Gilead. Men considered "traitors" Men can be executed if they are: political opponents; gays; rebels; religious people of other faiths; accused of disobeying the regime. Public executions are common. How Gilead views men and women. The system was created primarily to benefit powerful men. Even poor men can still: to read; to work; to participate in society; to have authority over women. Women, on the other hand, have their lives completely limited by the role they are given.

Women's categories Ladies They are fertile women. They are forced to become pregnant for important families who are unable to have children. Features: They wear red; Jezebels

They have names linked to the commander (“Of-Fred”, “Of-Joseph”); They have no rights; They live under surveillance; They are only used for reproduction. If they have healthy offspring, they remain alive and can be transferred to another family after weaning. Wives Women married to powerful commanders. Features: They wear blue; They have high status; They take care of the house; many are infertile; They help to maintain the system even while suffering from it. Martas Domestic workers. Features: They cook; They clean; They take care of the house; They are usually older or infertile women; They wear green. Aunts Women who train and control the Handmaids. Features: They use brown; They apply punishments; They brainwash people; They represent the female authority of the regime. Econowives Poor women married to ordinary men. They: They cook; They take care of the house; They raise children; They do everything at the same time. They wear clothes that mix various colors. Jezebels Women secretly exploited for the entertainment of commanders. Even though Gilead pretends to be "pure," there is hidden hypocrisy. What happens when a Handmaid gets pregnant? If a healthy baby is born: The child is normally handed over to the wife and the commander; A nanny can rarely raise her own child; The baby officially becomes part of the wealthy family. Pregnancy is considered extremely important in Gilead. If it's a girl Girls can grow up to become: Wives; Econowives; Aias (if they are fertile and "sin" against the regime); Martas; Aunts. Girls are taught to obey from a young age. They: They hardly study; They learn household chores; They are prepared for marriage early. If a boy is born Boys have more freedom than girls. They can grow to become: soldiers; guards; commanders; ordinary workers. But they also live under religious and military indoctrination.

Psychological control The government uses: fear; surveillance; torture; religion; public punishments. The Handmaids are trained by the Aunts to believe they must obey. They constantly hear religious phrases and live under the watchful eye of soldiers called "Eyes." People considered traitors may: disappear; to be executed; hung on public walls. Main themes The story covers: authoritarianism; religious extremism; misogyny; control of the female body; loss of identity; trauma; resistance; survival. Even within a cruel system, several characters secretly try to resist. Atmosphere of the story The weather is: heavy; silent; oppressive; psychological; Melancholy. The aesthetic mix: religious elements; militarism; strict rules; Luxurious homes contrasting with hidden violence.

World context The story takes place in the former United States, which has been replaced by the Republic of Gilead, a theocratic military government created by a radical religious group. After wars, pollution, disease, and mass infertility, few women are still able to conceive. Because of this, fertile women are treated as "state resources." Society is organized into rigid castes, and each group wears clothing of a specific color: Handmaids: fertile women forced to bear children for important families. They wear red dresses and white bonnets. Wives: married to powerful commanders. They wear blue. Martas: domestic workers and cooks. They wear green. Aunts: women responsible for indoctrinating and controlling the Handmaids. They wear brown. Econowives: poor women who perform multiple functions at the same time. Jezebels: women secretly used for the illicit entertainment of powerful men. Women cannot: to read; to study; to work; to have money; choosing partners; to decide about one's own body. Everything is controlled by the government and religion. When the government took power: Women's bank accounts were frozen; Women lost their jobs; The protests were violently suppressed; LGBTQIA+ people and political opponents have been persecuted or killed. The role of the Handmaids The Handmaids exist solely to become pregnant. Every month a ritual called the "Ceremony" takes place, where: The Wife holds the Maid; The Commander is trying to get her pregnant; Everything happens in a cold and religious manner. If a Handmaid is unable to bear children after a certain period of time, she may be deemed useless and sent to toxic work in the "Colonies," where many die. Even so, Gilead blames women for infertility, although many men are also infertile.