The Handmaid’s Tale: What is a Martha?
The Handmaid’s Tale introduced audiences to a type of woman in the Republic of Gilead known as Martha. They captured the audience’s attention via their unique tasks and appearance. Accordingly, fans are wondering what or who is a Martha. They also wish to learn what duties the Marthas perform and how they function in Gilead’s society.
So what or who is a Martha in The Handmaid’s Tale? Here is all you need to know on the subject matter.
What is a Martha in The Handmaid’s Tale?
In The Handmaid’s Tale, a Martha is a social class of women in the Republic of Gilead. They primarily serve as domestic help to the families of Gilead’s commanders. Moreover, they also work in other domestic industries, such as laundry.
The name “Martha” has its roots in the Bible, coming from one of Jesus Christ’s friends, who had a pragmatic nature.
Furthermore, Marthas are distinguished from other women by their attire — a green outfit with an apron on top. Headscarves also cover their hair.
Marthas typically serve as housekeepers, cooks, and servants for the higher-class families they have been assigned to. Additionally, Marthas are also usually infertile, low-ranking, or unmarried women. In their work, Marthas are often aided by the household’s Handmaid.
The Marthas are not typically paid for their services, as Gilead women are not officially allowed to have jobs. However, they get tokens — ration stamps used as part of the general wartime rationing system.
It is implied in The Handmaid’s Tale novel that Marthas are usually from ethnic minorities like Blacks or Latinas, suggesting a form of discrimination practiced by Gilead. There is evidence of this in the TV series as Martha and Rita are played by a woman of color.
Marthas have a communication network of their own where they exchange information and also gossip about various topics. Also, according to Offred, if a Martha lives past her prime, she is sent away to The Colonies, where she is guaranteed certain death.
Interestingly, as stated by Fred Waterford in Season 4, if a Martha escapes from the household she is assigned to, she is not missed. As such, the search for a missing Martha is not a prime concern, unlike that of a Handmaid.
