Most Googled Questions - The Handmaid's Tale

Setting and Context

• Where does The Handmaid's Tale take place?
  • Boston, with some scenes outside of Boston, like Cambridge.

Key Phrases and Symbolism

• What does "blessed be the fruit" mean?
  • Refers to the fruit of the womb; a hope for fertility.
• Why do handmaids wear red?
  • Symbolizes fertility, menstruation, and shame (similar to the Scarlet Letter).

Plot and Characters

• Why can't the wives of Gilead get pregnant?
  • Due to a fertility crisis driven by an environmental disaster in Gilead's dystopian future.
• Can a handmaid become a wife?
  • No, this transformation is not possible.
• Why did June spit out the cookie?
  • Out of spite, as an act of rebellion against control.
• What happened to Janine and Esther?
  • They got poisoned by chocolates, part of a larger plot development.

Character Dynamics

• Does Aunt Lydia turn on Gilead?
  • Spoiler alert: not addressed in the content.
• Who does June love, Nick or Luke?
  • It's suggested she loves both in different ways.
• Why does Aunt Lydia have a soft spot for Janine?
  • Despite originally punishing her, Aunt Lydia comes to love Janine as if she were her child.

Key Events and Details

• Why did June cut her ear?
  • To remove a tag during an escape attempt.
• Why did Aunt Lydia take Janine’s eye?
  • As punishment for speaking out of turn.

Important Figures and Questions

• What is the significance of Moira?
  • Once an inspiration for June, Moira’s influence evolves throughout the series.
• What was Serena Joy's job before Gilead?
  • She was a writer, advocating that women should stay home and have children.

Ending Notes

• Does June ever get Hannah back?
  • Viewers are encouraged to watch the series and its sequel for answers.

For more insights and details about the characters and the plot of the series, viewers should continue watching "The Handmaid's Tale" and explore potential sequel content.