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What are Wives called in Handmaid’s Tale?

In the world of Handmaid’s Tale, wives are referred to as “Commanders’ wives”. They are the privileged class of women who are married to the high-ranking officials, who are known as “Commanders”. The wives play a crucial role in the society depicted in the book as they have a significant level of power and influence in the household.

In this dystopian world, women are categorized by their reproductive abilities, with some being fertile and others unable to bear children. The wives are categorized in the fertile group as they are supposed to be able to bear healthy children for their husbands.

The wives are restricted from having meaningful relationships with their husbands, who are only allowed to have sexual relations with their assigned Handmaid. However, the wives are given some level of power and control over their Handmaid, who is responsible for bearing children on their behalf.

Despite their privileged status, the wives are not free to live as they please. They are expected to follow a strict set of rules and conform to a specific social norm. They are also heavily monitored and subjected to strict punishments if they disobey the rules or fail to fulfill their duties.

The wives are a fascinating and complex part of the society depicted in Handmaid’s Tale. They represent the power dynamics and struggles between gender, class, and reproductive rights in this dystopian world.

What is the wife of a commander called?

The wife of a commander is typically referred to as the commander’s spouse. The title used for the commander’s spouse can vary depending on the country, organization, and rank of the commander. In the United States, for example, the generic term used for the spouse of a military officer is a “military spouse”.

However, the commander’s spouse can also be referred to as the “commander’s wife” or “commander’s husband” depending on their gender.

The role of the commander’s spouse can vary depending on the rank of the commander and the specific duties of their organization. In general, the commander’s spouse is expected to provide support to the commander and their family. This can include attending social events, organizing family activities, and providing emotional support to the commander.

Additionally, the commander’s spouse may be involved in the organization’s network of other spouses, providing a support system for families who may be relocating frequently or experiencing other challenges related to the demands of military life. In some cases, the commander’s spouse may also be involved in leading or organizing social welfare activities or fundraising efforts for military families.

The role of the commander’s spouse is an important one, providing vital support to the commander and their family, as well as playing a key role in the community of military families. While the title used for the commander’s spouse may vary, their responsibilities and the important role they play in military life remain constant.

What do you call a military wife?

A military wife is a spouse of a military service member who serves in the armed forces. These women often play a critical role in the support of their partners as they serve their countries, especially during times of conflict or deployment. Frequently, military spouses move frequently and must adapt to new environments and cultures, which can be challenging.

Additionally, military wives must often manage their family’s household and finances while their partner is away on duty.

Military wives may find themselves as part of a close-knit military community, providing each other with support and friendship. They often understand the unique challenges and experiences of military life, such as long deployments, frequent relocations, and the struggles that come with maintaining a strong relationship despite the distance.

Being a military wife requires not only love and dedication to one’s partner but also a personal sacrifice for the greater good of serving one’s country. They often navigate through a very emotionally and physically demanding lifestyle on their own, which can be stressful and challenging. However, military wives’ commitment and support to their partners and their families play a significant role in the success and well-being of the military community as a whole.

A military wife is a critical member of the armed forces community who plays a vital role in supporting their partner and family members when serving their country. They embody resilience, strength, and sacrifice, and often create unique bonds and friendships with others who share similar experiences.

What is the military spouse creed?

The Military Spouse Creed is a set of beliefs and commitments that military spouses live by in order to support their partners who serve in the military. It is a code of conduct that embodies the values and principles of the United States Armed Forces, and it outlines the sacrifices and responsibilities that military spouses undertake in their daily lives.

The Military Spouse Creed is a proud statement of the sacrifices and contributions that military spouses make towards the country, their families, and the military community as a whole. It expresses the unique challenges that these individuals face in their day-to-day lives, including frequent moves, deployments, and separations from their loved ones.

The Military Spouse Creed reminds us that military spouses are resilient, adaptable, and committed to supporting their partner’s military service. It outlines the steadfastness, patience, and devotion that military spouses must possess in order to endure the trials of military life. Above all, the Military Spouse Creed stresses the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and a steadfast commitment to family, country, and community.

The Military Spouse Creed is an essential resource for military spouses, as well as for those seeking to understand the unique challenges and sacrifices that military families face. It underscores the endurance, valor, and dedication of military spouses, and serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that these individuals make towards their country and their families.

Through its principles and values, the Military Spouse Creed sets a high standard of excellence for military spouses, inspiring them to be their best selves and to support their military partners to the fullest extent possible.

Can a spouse contact the chain of command?

In general, spouses of military service members have the right to communicate with their spouse’s chain of command under certain circumstances. The military acknowledges the important role that spouses play in supporting their service member and understands that they may have legitimate concerns or questions that need to be addressed.

However, it is crucial to note that there are protocols and boundaries that must be followed when a spouse contacts the chain of command. Unauthorized or inappropriate contact can negatively impact the service member’s career and even result in disciplinary action if it is deemed as interference with military duties or command authority.

There are specific situations when a spouse may need to contact the chain of command, including:

– Family emergencies or crisis situations that require the service member’s attention or involvement

– Health and welfare concerns, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health issues, or neglect

– Relocation issues, such as problems with housing, schools, or childcare

– Legal issues, such as divorce, separation, or custody disputes

– Financial issues, such as debt, bankruptcy, or fraud

– Deployment or reintegration issues, such as support services, communication, or morale

In these situations, it is recommended that the spouse first attempts to address the issue through the available resources and support systems within the military community, such as the Family Readiness Group, the Chaplain, or the Military Family Life Counselor. These resources are trained to offer support and guidance to military families and can often resolve issues without involving the chain of command.

If the issue cannot be resolved through these channels or if it is urgent and time-sensitive, the spouse may contact the chain of command. It is recommended that the spouse communicates with the service member first and seeks their approval and guidance before contacting the chain of command. This ensures that the service member is aware of the situation and can provide context and background information to their commander or supervisor.

When contacting the chain of command, the spouse should be respectful, concise, and professional. They should clearly state the nature of the issue, the urgency or importance of the matter, and the desired outcome. They should also provide any relevant documentation or evidence to support their claim.

It is crucial to note that the chain of command has the discretion to determine the appropriate course of action and may not necessarily address the issue as the spouse desires. However, they are obligated to investigate, assess, and respond to any legitimate concerns or issues that impact the service member’s welfare or mission readiness.

A spouse can contact the chain of command under certain circumstances, but it is recommended to exhaust all other resources and options before doing so. When contacting the chain of command, the spouse should follow protocols and boundaries and be respectful, concise, and professional. Through appropriate communication, the spouse can help ensure the well-being and effectiveness of their service member spouse and the military mission.

Is a wife a dependent in the military?

The answer to whether a wife is a dependent in the military is yes. A dependent in the military is someone who relies on the servicemember for financial support, such as a spouse or a child. This status confers certain benefits, including access to military healthcare, education, and housing.

Wives of military servicemembers are typically considered dependents, provided that they are legally married to the servicemember and do not earn their own income. This may include wives who work part-time, as long as their income falls below a certain threshold.

Being a military dependent can be challenging, as it often means moving frequently and adapting to new environments. However, it also comes with a range of benefits that are designed to support the wellbeing of military families.

One key benefit of being a military dependent is access to Tricare, the military healthcare system. This includes coverage for medical and dental care, as well as mental health services. Military spouses may also be eligible for education benefits, such as tuition assistance and scholarships, which can help them pursue their career goals.

In addition, military dependents may be eligible for housing and relocation benefits. This can include access to on-base housing or allowances for off-base housing, as well as support for moving expenses.

While being a dependent in the military has its challenges, it also comes with a range of benefits that are designed to support the wellbeing and financial stability of military families.

What is a Jody?

Jody is a term often used in military slang to refer to a civilian who takes advantage of the absence of military personnel due to their deployment or training by pursuing romantic relationships with their spouses or significant others. This act is regarded as a severe breach of trust and loyalty towards the military personnel and is thus considered dishonorable.

The term Jody is often used in military cadences or chants designed to keep troops in step and maintain discipline during physical training. These cadences typically feature a verse about a fictional character named Jody, who is portrayed as taking advantage of military personnel’s absence to pursue their significant others.

The origin of the term Jody is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have come into use during World War II. While some theories suggest that the term Jody is derived from the term “jo dog,” a derogatory term for a civilian who exploits military personnel, others believe that it might have originated from the song “Joe the Grinder,” which referred to a man who stole other men’s women.

In general, the term Jody has a negative connotation in the military context and is used to refer to any individual who acts dishonorably towards military personnel. Since the military personnel sacrifice their time and lives to serve their country, any form of betrayal or disloyalty is severely frowned upon and not acceptable.

Thus, individuals who engage in such behaviors are considered to be unpatriotic and disrespectful towards the military, its personnel, and its values.

What were female soldiers called?

Female soldiers have been known by different names throughout history and in different countries. In some cases, they were referred to as “women warriors” or “warrior women.” In ancient times, female soldiers in Greece were referred to as “amazons.” During World War II, women who served in the United Kingdom’s Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) were called “ATS Girls”.

In the United States, female soldiers were known as WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) during World War II. In recent times, female soldiers in the United States Army are simply referred to as “soldiers,” and in the United Kingdom, they are called “servicewomen.” The terminology has changed over time to recognize the important contributions that women make in military service and to express their equality with their male counterparts.

Regardless of the terminology, female soldiers all share the same bravery, commitment, and dedication in serving their country.

Why are they called Marthas?

The term “Martha” is often used as a reference to the character in the Bible who was famous for being a diligent homemaker and for her faith in Jesus Christ. Martha was a hospitable woman who enjoyed serving others and who always put her guests’ needs first. Her qualities of hard work, dedication, and hospitality are considered to be virtues that are highly valued in traditional societies where gender roles are clearly defined.

In modern times, the term “Martha” has been adopted as a name for women who perform domestic duties or work as housekeepers or maids. In many cultures, the word has also come to symbolize humility, service, and dedication to one’s family.

In Margaret Atwood’s famous novel “The Handmaid’s Tale”, the term “Martha” is used to describe women who work as domestic servants for the ruling class of Gilead. The Marthas in the novel wear green uniforms to distinguish themselves from the red-clad Handmaids who are forced to provide sexual services to their masters.

In the context of the novel, the term “Martha” is used to symbolize the marginalization and oppression of women within Gilead’s patriarchal and totalitarian society. The Marthas are denied the freedoms enjoyed by men and are reduced to performing menial tasks within the household. Their lives are consumed with labor, and they are denied the opportunity to pursue their own interests or passions.

The term “Martha” has a long and complex history that reflects changing attitudes towards gender, hospitality, and service. While it once represented a symbol of hard work and faith, it has since become a term associated with the subjugation of women and the denial of their basic human rights.

Why do all the Wives wear green?

The reason why all the wives wear green in some cultures or societies is likely due to a combination of cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and historical factors. In some cultures, green is considered a symbol of fertility, growth, and prosperity. This could explain why women who are married – especially those who are expected to bear children – are often associated with the color green.

Additionally, in some religions, green is considered a sacred color that is associated with divine blessings and protection. Islamic traditions, for example, regard green as the color of paradise and of the Prophet Mohammed. As such, Muslim women may wear green as a way to express their faith and show their reverence for the Prophet.

Historically, green has been associated with various meanings at different times and in different places. During the Middle Ages in Europe, for instance, green was often associated with wealth and riches, since it was a difficult color to obtain and was mostly reserved for the clothing of nobility.

This could explain why some cultures that have their roots in medieval Europe may have adopted the tradition of having wives wear green.

The reason why wives wear green in any particular culture depends on a variety of factors, including geography, history, religious beliefs, and local customs. While some may see it as a symbol of fertility and growth, others may view it as a sign of prestige or piety. Whatever the reason, the tradition is an interesting example of how colors can carry cultural significance and capture the values and beliefs of a community.

What is the hierarchy in Gilead?

The hierarchy in Gilead is a strict and rigid social order that is primarily determined by gender, occupation, and class. At the top of the hierarchy are the Commanders, who are the ruling class of Gilead and hold all the power in the country. They are typically the wealthiest and most influential men in society and are responsible for making all major decisions and implementing policies.

They are also allowed to have wives, handmaids, and Marthas, who are all subservient to them and expected to obey their every command.

Below the Commanders are the high-ranking officials and government administrators, such as the Eyes, Guardians, and Angels. These are the men responsible for enforcing the laws and maintaining order in Gilead. They are authorized to use force, violence, and brutality to maintain control and suppress any dissent or rebellion against the regime.

Next in the hierarchy are the men in the lower ranks of the military and the labor force. These are the men who perform manual labor and are responsible for keeping the society running smoothly. They are often poorly educated and have limited opportunities for upward mobility or advancement.

At the bottom of the hierarchy are the women, who are divided into several categories based on their social status and reproductive capacity. The highest-ranking women are the wives of the Commanders, who are given privileges such as education and leisure time, but are also subjected to strict rules and regulations regarding their appearance, behavior, and speech.

Beneath the wives are the handmaids, who are women of childbearing age who have been deemed fertile and are therefore forced to become surrogate mothers for barren wives. They are treated as little more than baby-making machines and are subjected to constant monitoring, strict diets, and ritualized rape by their assigned Commander.

Finally, at the very bottom of the hierarchy are the Marthas, who are household servants and perform manual labor such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry. They are typically older women who are past their childbearing years and have been deemed unproductive by the regime. They are viewed as expendable and are often subjected to abuse and mistreatment by their employers.

The hierarchy in Gilead is an oppressive and dehumanizing system that places men above women and enforces strict conformity to traditional gender roles and social norms. It is designed to maintain the power and control of the ruling class at the expense of the majority of the population, who are marginalized and oppressed based on their gender, occupation, and social status.

What is Gilead’s leadership structure?

Gilead Sciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company that specializes in researching, developing, and commercializing innovative therapeutic products to address the most significant unmet medical needs. The company has a sophisticated and well-defined leadership structure that enables it to operate effectively and efficiently in a competitive and ever-changing industry.

At the top of Gilead’s organizational chart is its Board of Directors, which consists of 11 members from various backgrounds and expertise. The Board is responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction, overseeing its operations, and ensuring that its decisions align with its core values and mission.

The Board also hires the firm’s senior most executive, the CEO.

The company’s CEO, currently Daniel O’Day, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the business and reports directly to the Board. The CEO leads the executive management team, which includes functional heads who are responsible for specific areas, such as finance, operations, research and development, and commercial operations.

Under the Executive Management team, there are several functional leaders who manage specific units within Gilead. For example, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) heads the Medical Affairs unit, responsible for interacting with regulatory agencies like the FDA and EMA, overseeing clinical trials, and supporting the commercialization of Gilead’s drugs.

Another unit is headed by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), responsible for budgeting, investor relations, and managing the company’s financial performance.

The company’s strong management system is further augmented by its two main business segments, each with its leadership structure. The first segment is the Biopharmaceuticals division, responsible for the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for HIV/AIDS, liver diseases, cancer, and other severe conditions.

This segment’s structure includes a global commercial head, a research and development lead, and a business development lead.

The second segment is the Cell therapy segment, which focuses on developing and commercializing cell-based therapies that can cure cancer and other diseases. The Cell therapy leadership team is responsible for developing and applying novel technologies, identifying and selecting promising therapeutic targets, and overseeing clinical development and commercialization of cell therapies.

Gilead Sciences’ Leadership structure is well defined, robust, and well-suited for managing a complex and competitive biopharmaceutical industry. Its strong executive management, functional leads, and business segments, coupled with its core values and mission, enable the company to remain agile and responsive to both internal and external changes while driving innovation to bring transformative medicines to people in need.

What do the Marthas represent?

The Marthas in the Handmaid’s Tale represent the working class women who are assigned to perform various domestic tasks for the families of higher status in the patriarchal society of Gilead. They are essentially the cooks, maids, nannies, and housekeepers, who are responsible for taking care of the households of the Commanders, their Wives, and visiting dignitaries.

Marthas do not have the same status and privileges as the Wives, and are not subject to the same level of oppression as the Handmaids. Nevertheless, they are part of the same system that subjugates women and denies them autonomy and agency. They are also subject to strict rules and regulations, and have limited freedom of movement and expression.

Despite their seemingly subservient role, the Marthas play a crucial role in the resistance movement against the regime of Gilead. They have access to information and resources that are not available to the Handmaids, and they are able to communicate with each other and coordinate their activities under the guise of performing their duties.

The Marthas are also sympathetic to the plight of the Handmaids, and have been known to provide them with extra food, medication, and even secret messages. Some Marthas have also been involved in smuggling people out of Gilead and facilitating contact with the outside world. In this way, the Marthas represent the quiet resistance movement that is working behind the scenes to undermine the regime of Gilead and bring about its downfall.

The Marthas are a complex and multifaceted group of characters that highlight the various ways in which women are oppressed and exploited in the dystopian world of The Handmaid’s Tale. They are also a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of women in the face of extreme adversity, and serve as a source of hope and inspiration for the oppressed masses.

What makes you a handmaid vs a Martha?

In the fictional world of Gilead, a theocratic authoritarian state formed after a civil war, women are categorized into different roles based on their fertility and social ranks. Handmaids are fertile women who are assigned to households of high-ranking officials and forced to bear children for them because the wives of these officials are often infertile.

Handmaids are treated as property and are stripped of their identity, name, and freedom. They are dressed in red robes and white bonnets, and their movements and communication are strictly monitored.

On the other hand, Marthas are women who are employed as servants and household helpers. They are generally less oppressed than handmaids but still lack personal autonomy and are required to adhere to strict rules and norms. They wear grey uniforms and are not required to wear the bonnets that handmaids have to wear.

The main difference between a handmaid and a Martha lies in their fertility – handmaids are seen as valuable only for their capacity to reproduce. They are subjected to state-sanctioned rape and forced to carry and deliver children, often against their will. Marthas, on the other hand, are not subject to such abuse and are allowed to lead relatively functional lives within the Gileadean patriarchy.

What makes a woman a handmaid in the context of The Handmaid’s Tale series is the fact that she is part of the small pool of fertile women who have been subjugated and exploited by the state as reproduction machines. Marthas, on the other hand, are perhaps more fortunate in that they do not have to endure the same level of sexual violence and have some degree of liberty, although they are still oppressed and marginalized in the Gileadean society.

Why can’t the Wives in Gilead have babies?

In the dystopian world of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, the societal structure is based on a fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible, where women’s primary purpose is to bear children for their husbands. The handmaids, who are assigned to the elite and infertile couples, are forced to engage in the ritualistic practice of “ceremony” in order to help conceive a child.

However, one may wonder why the Wives, who are the privileged class and married to the powerful men of Gilead, can’t have babies. The answer lies in the fact that infertility is a widespread problem in this society, which is attributed to environmental and genetic factors. The toxic waste and radiation from wars have rendered many women barren, and the few who are able to bear children are tightly controlled by the ruling class.

In the novel, it is suggested that the Wives may have experienced reproductive issues even before the formation of Gilead, which suggests that infertility is not solely due to the catastrophic events that led to the creation of the regime. It is also hinted that some of the Wives may have chosen to prioritize their careers or other pursuits over having children.

Furthermore, the Wives’ inability to bear children reflects the deeply patriarchal nature of Gilead. The ruling class, made up of men, has constructed a system where women’s worth is reduced to their ability to procreate. The Wives’ inability to fulfill this function leaves them feeling inadequate and ostracized, which is why they resort to seeking emotional and physical comfort from the male servants or attempting to adopt children through illegal means.

The Wives in Gilead’s infertility is a complex issue resulting from environmental, genetic, and societal factors. The regime that emerged from this issue is deeply patriarchal and has led to the commodification of women’s bodies for the sake of repopulation. The Wives’ inability to have children is not only a personal tragedy but also reflects the system’s failure to address a pressing issue that affects both men and women.

Resources

  1. Women in The Handmaid’s Tale: A Comprehensive Taxonomy
  2. The roles of women in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ explained
  3. Wife – The Handmaid’s Tale Wiki – Fandom
  4. ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’: 10 Rules Wives Follow In Gilead
  5. The Handmaid’s Tale Glossary | GradeSaver