Around the age of eight or nine, Agnes spends less time with her mother, who is always resting upstairs. Agnes observes the Marthas, Vera, Rosa, and Zilla, working in the kitchen. The family has three Marthas, which signifies their importance. One day, Agnes expresses her desire to bake bread from scratch, but Rosa dismisses the idea, explaining that it would be unnecessary since Agnes will have Marthas in the future. Vera inadvertently mentions that Agnes may not need a Handmaid, considering her mother. Confused, Agnes questions them, and Zilla clarifies that it's because Agnes's mother was able to have her own baby, implying that Agnes may not require a Handmaid for reproduction.
Feeling upset, Agnes goes to her mother's bedside and asks why she must get married. Tabitha reminds Agnes that she was chosen. Agnes, feeling too old for fairytales, insists that she came out of her mother's stomach like all babies, but Tabitha does not confirm or deny her theory.
Agnes's best friend from school is Shunammite, who chose Agnesto elevate her own status. One day, Shunammite informs Agnes that Tabitha is dying, as Agnes's Martha had relayed the information to Shunammite's Martha. Initially, Agnes finds this information absurd. However, when she returns home, she demands to know which Martha lied about her mother's condition. Zilla gently explains that they thought Agnes already knew, as they believed Tabitha had told her. Overwhelmed with grief, Agnes collapses in tears, feeling consumed by loss and darkness. Tabitha passes away two nights later.
The chapter begins with Aunt Lydia preparing for bed and reflecting on how her hair has become thin, despite having preached against caring about vanity to the other Aunts. She contemplates her declining health and wonders how her life will eventually come to an end. Aunt Lydia suspects that one of her enemies will be the one to kill her. Despite being a figure of authority and a model of pious behavior, she longs to be ordinary once again.
The setting is the Spring Equinox, and Aunt Lydia leads the dinner prayer, blessing everyone in Gilead, including Baby Nicole. Baby Nicole was taken by her Handmaid mother and brought to Canada, where she serves as a symbol of all the innocent children condemned to be raised by those considered depraved. They pray for Baby Nicole's return. Aunt Lydia explains in her memoir how the story of Baby Nicole is utilized as a tool to fuel hatred towards Gilead's enemies. Nicole also serves as a reminder of the perceived treachery of Handmaids.
During dinner, Aunt Lydia observes her fellow senior Aunts, namely Aunt Elizabeth, Aunt Helena, and Aunt Vidala, pondering their potential schemes and plans. After the meal, she walks towards the Hildegard Library, passing by the Bloodlines Genealogical Archives, where the senior Aunts maintain records to prevent incestuous relationships resulting from the Handmaid system. Finally, Aunt Lydia enters the Forbidden World Literature section, which serves as her inner sanctum. Apart from the forbidden titles, she keeps her own files documenting the secret history of Gilead. Inside a hollowed-out book, Cardinal Newman's Apologia Pro Vita Sua: A Defence of One's Life, she safeguards her secret manuscript. Before her arrest and transformation into Aunt Lydia, she had been a family court judge.
The chapter introduces Daisy as the third narrator, providing her testimony transcript. Daisy begins her story by mentioning what shebelieved to be her 16th birthday, which her parents in Toronto, Neil and Melanie, had lied to her about. However, she can no longer be angry with them since they are now deceased.
Daisy grows up in Toronto with her parents, who own a used clothing store called The Clothes Hound. Her mother, Melanie, is responsible for sorting and selling the clothing, while her father, Neil, manages the accounting and keeps collectibles in his office. Unbeknownst to Daisy, her parents are not ordinary individuals. She discovers some clues, such as a small glass and metal cube in Neil's open safe, as well as his collection of cameras that she is not allowed to touch. Daisy describes their home as deliberately unremarkable.
During weekends, Daisy spends time at The Clothes Hound since her parents do not want her to stay home alone, even as she grows older. When she complains, her parents assure her that she will understand when she is older.
Daisy assists in the store by sorting clothes and putting price tags on them. From her position at the back of the store, she observes people coming and going. Some homeless individuals, including an older man named George, ask to use the washroom, but Daisy finds him creepy and potentially a stalker. She voices her concerns to Melanie, but her mother dismisses them, believing Daisy to be naive.
Melanie's friend Ada regularly visits the store to donate boxes of clothing. Daisy finds Ada's appearance, dressed in black leather and heavy boots, to be inconsistent with the typical image of a charitable person. Ada arrives in different cars each time.
Daisy also encounters the Pearl Girls, young missionaries from Gilead who claim to be doing God's work. They roam the downtown area, speaking to homeless women and distributing brochures in shops. The Pearl Girls wear silvery dresses, fake pearls, and display glassy smiles. The brochures they distribute demand the return of Baby Nicole. Daisy has watched a documentary in school about Baby Nicole, understanding her significance to both Gilead and the anti-Gilead protesters in Canada. However, Daisy dislikes Baby Nicole and received a poor grade on a paper she wrote referring to Nicole as a "football" used by both sides. She suggested that Canada should return Baby Nicole, which her teacher considered a callous response.
Melanie always allows the Pearl Girls to leave brochures at the store and sometimes returns the old brochures, whichwill be sent to other countries. Daisy, having learned in school about the harsh conditions in Gilead, questions Melanie about her support for the Pearl Girls. Daisy wants to "set them straight" and wonders how the Pearl Girls could believe the propaganda. Melanie sternly instructs Daisy never to let the Pearl Girls see her.
Daisy never feels like she truly belongs to Melanie and Neil, as they treat her as if she is fragile. She finds it peculiar that there are no pictures of her around their house. Melanie explains that a fire destroyed Daisy's baby pictures. Daisy attends a private school that her parents specifically chose due to its strict attendance records, ensuring they always know her whereabouts.
A week before her 16th birthday, Daisy plans to participate in a protest march against Gilead. Smuggled footage of executions has been released, fueling public outrage. Daisy's class is excused to join the protest as part of World Social Awareness. However, Neil and Melanie forbid Daisy from going. When she complains, Melanie suggests that Ada accompany her, but Neil objects, concerned about the event being covered in the news.
Daisy's parents do not allow her to spend time with her school friends, so she is eager for social interaction beyond school. Neil has already informed the school that Daisy will not participate in the protest, but Daisy exchanges identity cards with a friend to board the bus headed to the protest.
Initially, Daisy is thrilled by the atmosphere of the protest march. Survivors of forced marches from Gilead to North Dakota speak, sharing stories of the thousands who perished due to lack of food and water. A Canadian recounts the ordeal of a deceased relative who was enslaved in the Gilead colonies, forced to clean up radiation. A representative from SanctuCare, an organization assisting escaped Gilead women, discusses the babies taken from these women. Posters of Baby Nicole are visible everywhere.
Daisy's group holds up posters calling for sanctuary for refugees from Gilead. They encounter a group of counter-protesters advocating for closing the border to what they perceive as an "invasion." There are also Pearl Girls among the crowd, displaying signs that say "Death to Baby Stealers."
Violence erupts, and some individuals dressed in black begin smashing shop windows. The situation escalates when police in riot gear appear, wielding batons and striking people. Panic ensues among the crowd.
Daisy loses track of hergroup and is hit in the stomach. Suddenly, Ada emerges and grabs Daisy by the collar, creating a path for them. The media later refers to the event as a riot. Daisy describes the experience as akin to drowning. Ada takes Daisy home.
That night, Daisy sees herself on the news. Instead of being angry, Neil and Melanie appear anxious. Daisy overhears Melanie mention the need to move immediately. When Daisy enters the room, nobody explains what is happening to her.
Three days later, someone breaks into The Clothes Hound, scattering Neil's files and stealing some of his collectibles. Daisy overhears Neil telling Melanie that the thief took "the camera," although he does not clarify which camera he means.
Neil and Melanie, who rarely watch the news, pay attention to a report about a Pearl Girl named Aunt Adrianna found dead in her condo, an apparent suicide. Daisy recognizes her as someone who visited The Clothes Hound. The news report mentions that Aunt Adrianna's partner, Aunt Sally, is missing. Neil remarks to Melanie that this is a catastrophe, leaving Daisy confused as to why they care since the Pearl Girls work for Gilead. Her parents turn to her with desolate expressions, leaving Daisy puzzled.
On Daisy's birthday, Melanie stares out of the window, deep in thought. Neil is upstairs on the phone when Daisy leaves for school. During the car ride, Melanie informs Daisy that she will pick her up after school as they have things to discuss now that she is old enough. Daisy assumes the conversation will revolve around boys and consent. She wants to apologize to Melanie for attending the protest march but remains silent as they arrive at school.
After school, Daisy waits for Melanie to pick her up, but Ada appears and tells her to get in the car. Daisy senses that something terrible has happened. Finally, she asks if someone has had a heart attack, but Ada reveals that there was a car bomb explosion outside The Clothes Hound. The car belonged to Melanie, and both of Daisy's parents were inside. Daisy struggles to comprehend the situation, trying to visualize the explosion, but her mind remains blank.
Aunt Lydia resumes her memoir and reflects on how she has managed to avoid the various purges that have occurred in Gilead. As a woman, she is considered less threatening to the power of theCouncil of Commanders. Aunt Lydia holds importance in the regime as she knows how to maintain control in the women's sphere and possesses potentially damaging information about the Council's leaders. She has made it clear to them that their secrets will remain safe as long as she is safe. Despite her precautions, she is aware that her downfall could come at any moment.
Aunt Lydia receives a summons from Commander Judd and heads to the headquarters of the Eyes, curious about the reason for the meeting. In Commander Judd's office, he warmly greets Aunt Lydia and asks about his Wife. Commander Judd has a reputation for pursuing relationships with young women, and his Wives often die suddenly.
Commander Judd shares the wonderful news with Aunt Lydia that Gilead agents in Canada have successfully eliminated two of the most active Mayday operatives. These operatives had been part of the Underground Femaleroad, operating under the guise of a used clothing store. The discovery was made with the help of a team of Pearl Girls, an initiative that Aunt Lydia had conceived. She allowed Commander Judd to take credit for the plan, which ultimately saved his career after a series of disastrous policies. However, Aunt Lydia wonders if the Commander resents being indebted to her.
Commander Judd suggests to Aunt Lydia that the Mayday terrorists must have had counterparts within Gilead, and he asks her to inform him if any suspects come to mind. They are also seeking information about the death of Aunt Adrianna in Toronto. Commander Judd commends Aunt Lydia, and she takes her leave.
Aunt Lydia then transitions into telling the story of how she became Aunt Lydia. She expresses a desire for things to have been different but acknowledges that regrets are not practical. The country had experienced environmental, economic, and social deterioration. People became fearful and angry, needing someone to blame. However, the cataclysmic upheaval still took Aunt Lydia by surprise, as she quotes, "You don't believe the sky is falling until a chunk of it falls on you."
In a flashback, Lydia is depicted as a family court judge, and despite the courts being temporarily closed, she continues to work. One of her colleagues enters her office and informs her that they need to leave the country immediately. The provisional government is canceling women's credit cards and passing laws prohibiting women from owning money. Lydia objects, citing the unconstitutionality of such actions.However, Anita, another colleague, reveals that the government has abolished the Constitution.
Suddenly, armed men burst into the office. Lydia demands an explanation, but they disregard her and consult a list. They forcibly take away Katie, who is pregnant. Lydia protests, but the leader of the men asserts his authority. The men read out names from the list, assigning each person to "Box store, high school, or stadium." The men make jokes among themselves about a woman wetting herself in fear. Lydia and Anita, referred to as the two "lady judges," are taken to the stadium. The men handcuff them and place them in a van. Lydia realizes that screaming for help would be futile. When the van eventually stops, the men bring Lydia to the stadium, which she describes as now being a prison. Other women are present, and all the men are armed.
Agnes attends her mother Tabitha's funeral, where most of the guests ignore her. However, she catches the attention of Paula, a Wife whose Handmaid famously killed her husband. Paula shares her version of the story, stating that the Handmaid ambushed her husband with a stolen kitchen skewer. Agnes hears another version from her friend Shunammite, who heard it from her Martha. According to this version, the husband made "lustful demands" that drove the Handmaid mad. Paula tells Agnes that it must be nice to have a new dress, which angers Agnes, as she is grieving the loss of her mother.
A few months later, Agnes's father marries Paula and gives her Tabitha's "magic ring," which had helped save Agnes in Tabitha's fairytale. Agnes is furious but keeps her feelings to herself, brooding and sulking. In Agnes's presence, her father and Paula talk about her in the third person, dismissing her moodiness as something young girls go
through.
Agnes is in Religion Class shortly after her father's marriage to Paula. Aunt Vidala tells the girls the story of the Concubine Cut into Twelve Pieces, an important Bible story. The story revolves around a concubine who runs away from her owner and seeks refuge at her father's house. The father apologizes for his disobedient daughter and a fellow citizen invites the man to spend the night. Some men demand that the citizen hand over the owner for "lustful and sinful things." Instead, the generous father and the kind traveler put the concubineoutside the door, where she is found dead the next morning.
One of the girls, Becka, tearfully asks how the concubine died. Aunt Vidala replies that "many men doing lustful things all at once will kill a girl." Aunt Vidala explains that the concubine deserved this punishment from God for her disobedience and uses the story to emphasize that women should not rebel against men in positions of authority. Becka becomes hysterical, and Aunt Vidala is concerned, knowing that Becka's father is an influential dentist in Gilead. Aunt Est?e is called to comfort Becka and suggests that the concubine sacrificed herself to make amends for her disobedience, nobly saving the kind traveler. To cheer up the girls, Aunt Est?e offers them cookies.
Shunammite whispers to Becka, calling her a baby, but Becka declares that she will never get married. Shunammite insists that everyone must get married. Agnes later learns the rest of the story: the traveler cut the concubine into twelve pieces and sent them to each of the Tribes of Israel, which led to a war with the Tribe of Benjamin.
A few months after Paula marries Agnes's father, their family receives a Handmaid named Ofkyle. Shunammite informs Agnes that Handmaids do not need real names because they are all considered sluts. Aunt Vidala teaches the girls that Handmaids play a crucial role in the community and should not be called sluts or treated rudely. Agnes understands that Handmaids can have babies, something that many
Wives cannot do, and it seems that all women desire a child. Aunt Vidala claims that a baby gives a woman purpose.
Agnes realizes that Paula wants a baby and no longer considers Agnes her child. She also notices that Commander Kyle no longer considers her his child either. Agnes feels invisible and wonders why God is so preoccupied with blood as she approaches puberty. The rules and dangers associated with having a female body overwhelm her. Agnes realizes that the other girls have shunned her because Shunammite spread a rumor that her real mother was a slut who ran away with Agnes when she was young. Agnes believes that Tabitha chose her and loved her, but now she understands that Paula and Commander Kyle want a child of their own.
Agnes imagines the satisfaction the other girls must feel to see her fall from favor and realizes that the Aunts must have known about her trueparentage since they derive their power from knowing secrets. Agnes wonders if the powerful Aunt Lydia, whom she has never seen, knows the most secrets and attempts to pray to her at night to save her from her unhappiness. However, praying to a woman feels unthinkable to Agnes.
Agnes pricks her finger while doing embroidery and the other girls mock her. Aunt Est?e helps her bandage the finger and remove the blood from the embroidery. Aunt Est?e remarks that women have special brains that are soft and damp, unlike the hard and focused brains of men. Agnes imagines having warm mud in her head.
After school, Agnes confronts Zilla about her mother. Zilla admits that Paula claims the story is true and that Tabitha was not Agnes's biological mother. However, Zilla insists that Tabitha loved Agnes the most and that the Marthas and Handmaids are also her mothers. Agnes finds the similarity between Zilla's statement and Aunt Vidala's words about having the students' best interests at heart unsettling.
Agnes asks Zilla if the officials killed her real mother. Zilla believes her mother likely went to the Rachel and Leah Centre, where the Aunts would have changed her mind about her sins. Handmaids have their names changed and their faces covered, making it impossible to know
where Agnes's mother is now. Agnes realizes that her mother is a Handmaid and understands why Shunammite called her a slut.
Agnes closely observes Ofkyle, the newly arrived Handmaid. She sneaks into Ofkyle's room and sees a picture that belonged to Tabitha. Agnes becomes resentful of Paula, who is removing visible reminders of Tabitha from Commander Kyle's sight. Agnes fantasizes that Ofkyle is her real mother, although she knows it is unlikely. There are no clues to Ofkyle's identity or personality in her room.
Ofkyle becomes pregnant, and Paula is happier and kinder to Agnes. Zilla tells Agnes that pregnancy is not to be discussed until after the third month, as it will be evident by then if it is an "Unbaby." News of Ofkyle's pregnancy spreads, and Agnes's status at school rises again. Agnes feels that the unborn baby is consuming all the love in the family, leaving none for her. She becomes jealous that the baby will have a mother.
Agnes recalls that another event took place during this time that would later impact her life choices. Although she realizes it may not seem significantto others, it had a profound effect on her as a young girl from Gilead who had not been exposed to such situations.
Agnes goes to the dentist, Dr. Grove, for her yearly checkup. Paula decides not to accompany her, citing preparations for the baby. During the appointment, Dr. Grove touches Agnes inappropriately and exposes himself to her. Shocked and unsure of what to do, Agnes pretends that nothing is happening. Dr. Grove calls her a good girl and reminds her to brush and floss.
Feeling sick to her stomach, Agnes leaves the dentist's office. She cannot report the incident to the Aunts since Dr. Grove is a respected dentist visited by Gilead elites. Agnes also cannot betray Becka, who would feel humiliated. Zilla's comments make Agnes realize that Zilla knows what happened and is warning her not to say anything. Agnes wonders if Paula is aware of Dr. Grove's behavior and purposefully sent her alone to be violated.
As Ofkyle's pregnancy progresses, the household rejoices, and Agnes listens in on conversations. Other Wives visit the house to see how Ofkyle is doing. Agnes observes their expressions of wonder, hope, envy, longing, and despair as they touch Ofkyle's swollen belly. Paula invites the Wives over for tea to show off Ofkyle.
Agnes watches Ofkyle's face, occasionally glimpsing emotions in her otherwise blank expression. Agnes feels angry as she secretly listens at Ofkyle's door, reflecting on how she was taken away from her own mother as they will give this baby to Paula. Agnes questions the teachings of the Aunts and wonders how sacrificing one for the good of Gilead can be justified. She does not blame Tabitha and hopes her spirit is still watching over her with love.
On the day of the birth, Agnes stays at home due to her first period and experiencing cramps. The Birthmobile arrives with Handmaids, and Wives gather around. Agnes secretly observes from her hiding place. After hours of labor, Agnes hears one of the Aunts call for assistance. She sees a real doctor rush to help and hears him swear. Ofkyle gives birth to a healthy boy named Mark but dies during the process, requiring the doctor to perform an emergency C-section.
After the Wives and Handmaids leave, Agnes sits in the kitchen with the Marthas. Zilla comments on how sad it was for "that poor girl." Agnes goes to Ofkyle's room, uncovers her face, and kissesher forehead, promising never to forget her. In the present, Agnes reveals that she kept that promise, as she later found Ofkyle's grave marker in the Handmaid cemetery. She learned that Ofkyle's real name was Crystal.
There is a small funeral for Ofkyle, and Agnes attends since she is now considered a woman. Aunt Lydia gives a speech praising Ofkyle for making the ultimate sacrifice and redeeming her former life of sin. Agnes does not cry but instead thinks about how Ofkyle was sacrificed for the baby, not voluntarily.
Agnes's status at school worsens following Ofkyle's death during childbirth, as it is believed to bring bad luck. The older girls chant a phrase suggesting that if a Handmaid dies in childbirth, a curse will befall those around her. Agnes is viewed as accursed by her peers.
Paula basks in the prestige of having a baby, but she is not particularly nurturing. Baby Mark spends most of his time with the new Ofkyle in the kitchen, where the Marthas dote on him. Meanwhile, Agnes isolates herself in her room, consumed by brooding thoughts.
The Marthas attempt to comfort Agnes by assuring her that she will have a baby of her own one day, which will bring her happiness. However, Agnes doubts that she will ever experience true happiness.
Aunt Lydia reflects on the problem of high escape rates among Handmaids and desperate individuals in Gilead. There are still areas in Maine and Vermont where guides help Mayday operatives for a fee. Aunt Lydia comes from a family with a history of smuggling and illegal activities, which her father took pride in. Despite her family background, she managed to climb the ranks through strategic maneuvering.
Aunt Elizabeth, Aunt Helena, and Aunt Vidala approach Aunt Lydia with a detailed plan to address the issue of female emigration. The plan involves trapping Handmaids on their way to Canada and implementing more effective interrogation methods. Aunt Lydia suspects Aunt Vidala's involvement in the brutal aspects of the plan, such as fingernail ripping. However, she praises the plan and assures the other Aunts that she will present it to Commander Judd, knowing that he would hear about it otherwise.
Several days later, the three Aunts visit Aunt Lydia again, excited about successful raids in Upstate New York that led to the capture of individuals suspected of aiding the Underground Femaleroad. Aunt Lydia congratulates them and informs them about thedeceased Mayday operatives in Canada, mentioning the instrumental role played by the Pearl Girls. She warns the Aunts to remain vigilant, as there seems to be a traitor within Gilead aiding the Mayday agents, even within their own Ardua Hall.
Aunt Lydia returns to recount her arrival at the stadium in her personal memoir. She and Anita are herded by men into the bleachers along with other women. They discover that all the women seated near them are lawyers or judges. It becomes apparent that the men have sorted the women by profession. More women arrive at the stadium and are
instructed not to stand up or use the restroom. Lydia regrets her previous belief that the liberty and individual rights she had sworn to defend could never be taken away.
Later in the day, the men bring 20 blindfolded and handcuffed women in business attire to the center of the field. The women are forced to kneel, and a leader in a black uniform declares that the "Divine Eye" will expose their sins. The other men echo the sentiment with an "Amen," and they proceed to shoot the 20 blindfolded women to death. Some women in the bleachers protest and are struck on the head by the guards' rifle butts. At sundown, the remaining women are given sandwiches and ordered into the locker rooms, where they spend the night on the floor under bright lights for the captors' convenience.
Daisy is sitting in Ada's car, trying to process the fact that Neil and Melanie died in a car bombing. Ada destroys Daisy's phone, emphasizing the need for caution. Daisy expresses gratitude to Ada for the ride and considers going back to the school for advice. However, Ada warns her that the people behind the car bomb may be after her as well and urges her to trust her. Ada believes the police won't be able to help them. They eventually arrive at a Quaker Meeting House, where SanctuCare, an organization that assists Gilead refugees, is located.
Ada instructs Daisy to wait while she makes arrangements for her. Daisy is offered hot tea and a cookie by a woman and is provided with a blanket. She observes people coming and going, including a woman with a baby, witnessing emotional scenes of reassurance and safety.
When Ada returns, she tells Daisy that she needs to change her clothes. In a back room, Daisy seestables filled with clothing, realizing that the boxes Ada took from The Clothes Hound ended up there. Ada advises Daisy to choose something that will make her look like a different person. Daisy selects a black shirt and leggings with skulls on them. While changing, Daisy briefly wonders if Ada is abducting her.
Ada also changes her appearance and applies red lipstick to Daisy, expressing approval and assuring her that their secret is safe. Daisy contemplates the nature of their secret, questioning whether it involves her no longer officially existing.
Ada and Daisy drive to Parkdale, a rundown but trendy neighborhood, and stop at a dilapidated brownstone mansion named "CARNAVON." They enter an upstairs furnished apartment. Daisy begins to feel dizzy and struggles to walk. She collapses on the couch and falls asleep. Daisy wakes up when Ada turns on the television to the news, which shows the wreckage of The Clothes Hound and Melanie's car. Daisy mutes the sound, not wanting to hear the news anchor's emotionless voice.
Daisy declines a sandwich and Ada returns with chocolate birthday cake and vanilla ice cream instead. Daisy wonders how Ada knows her favorite treats, realizing that Melanie must have talked about her. Daisy goes to the bathroom and vomits before returning to lie on the couch. Ada offers her ginger ale and covers her up, turning off the lights.
Daisy wakes up the following morning and briefly wonders if she is late for school before remembering that she will never return. She discovers that someone has moved her into a bedroom. Daisy looks at herself in the mirror and notices a change in her appearance. In the living room, Ada is sitting with a man named Elijah, who had been at SanctuCare and is a friend of Neil's.
While having breakfast, Elijah reveals that the previous day was not really Daisy's birthday and that Neil and Melanie were not her biological parents. Daisy had been living with them since she was a baby for her own safety. She was born in Gilead, and her real parents risked their lives to get her out. Gilead had demanded her return, but Mayday hid her with Neil and Melanie. When Daisy recognizes the story, Elijah confirms that she is Baby Nicole, and her real parents are still alive.
Daisy harbors doubts about the story, but Ada informs her that Melanie and Neil had planned to tellher the truth on her 16th birthday. Daisy can see that Ada is genuinely upset about her parents' deaths.
Aunt Sally, the partner of the deceased Pearl Girl, confesses to Aunt
Lydia that she killed Aunt Adrianna in self-defense. Aunt Lydia assures Aunt Sally that Aunt Adrianna likely had a psychotic break due to living in Canada. Aunt Sally suspects that Daisy might be Baby Nicole but hadn't reported it to the Consulate, deeming it premature. Aunt Lydia arranges for Aunt Sally to recover at the Margery Kempe Retreat House, where the staff will ensure that she appears "incoherent."
Aunt Lydia is summoned to Commander Judd's office to discuss the death of the Pearl Girl in Canada. The Canadian government classifies it as a suicide, but Gilead believes that Mayday terrorists were responsible. Commander Judd informs Aunt Lydia that the Pearl Girls have led his Eyes to a microdot camera that prints documents on small plastic dots. They suspect that someone in Gilead is receiving these dot messages and sending others in return, although the culprits have not been identified yet. Despite her fear, Aunt Lydia assures Commander Judd that the Aunts will continue to assist in the mission to dismantle Mayday.
Returning to her memoir, Aunt Lydia describes the monotonous routine in the stadium. The women sit in the bleachers during the day and attempt to sleep in the clogged and filthy locker rooms at night. Food is scarce, and the guards seem to purposefully create unsanitary conditions to break the women's spirits. Each day, more women arrive at the stadium, and Lydia and Anita try to support each other. Afternoons are marked by executions, with blindfolded women who can barely walk being selected. Lydia wonders why they were chosen. The man in black leading the executions always ends his speech with "God will prevail!" On the fourth day, Lydia notices that three of the executioners are women in long brown gowns, causing Lydia and Anita to label them as monsters.
Night after night, guards take away some of the women. Anita disappears one morning, leaving Lydia alone. One night, Lydia is awakened by guards who drive her to a former police station, now an Eyes headquarters. There, she meets Commander Judd for the first time. He apologizes for the inconveniences, but Lydia responds flippantly. Commander Judd orders her to the "Thank Tank" and expresses hope that she will become morethankful.
The Thank Tank is an isolated cell without lights. Lydia quickly feels the strain of solitary confinement. She hears sounds of screaming and moaning, unsure if they are genuine or recordings designed to break her resolve. After some time, three men enter the cell and physically assault
her with kicks and a taser. This brutal treatment occurs two more times. Lydia admits to shedding tears but also senses a third eye watching the guards' actions. Eventually, the lights suddenly come on in her cell, and guards transport her to a hotel room, instructing her to enjoy her three-day stay. The room is equipped with room service, a functioning shower, and a toilet.
Lydia indulges in eating, showering repeatedly, and sleeping. More room service food arrives, and the staff takes away her soiled clothes. Initially accepting everything, Lydia gradually regains her ability to think clearly by the third day. She finds a brown gown laid out for her, similar to those worn by the female shooters in the stadium. Lydia puts it on, though she feels a chill while doing so.
Agnes describes the preparations for her proposed marriage in Gilead. Families aim to marry their daughters off early to prevent them from losing their virginity, which is considered a stoning offense. Commander Kyle, Aunt Vidala, and Aunt Gabbana discuss Agnes's marriage without including her in the conversation. Commander Kyle briefly protests, but Aunt Gabbana comments on Agnes's physical attributes and assures her that she will have multiple suitors to choose from. Paula requests a hasty process and plans to make a donation to Ardua Hall.
Instead of returning to school, Agnes works on a petit point embroidery for her future husband. She secretly embroiders a tiny skull, imagining it to be Paula's, although she claims it to be a pious motif. Agnes reflects on how girls are not allowed to attend funerals or read the writing on headstones due to Gilead's restrictions on female education. She ponders the role of Aunts, wondering if they have special, androgynous brains. When Paula orders the Marthas to pack Agnes's "childish" belongings, Agnes throws her Wife doll in frustration.
Aunt Gabbana brings in a team to prepare Agnes's new wardrobe and wedding dress since Paula believes Agnes cannot be trusted to choose appropriate clothing. Agnes, despite belonging to a privileged class,
lacks rights and self-agency. One day, Paula unexpectedly enters Agnes's room with thewardrobe team, including Aunt Lorna, Aunt Sara Lee, and Aunt Betty. They instruct Agnes to remove her pink school uniform and proceed to take her measurements. Several days later, the Aunts return with Agnes's new spring green outfits, signaling her readiness for marriage. The clothes are used since they are not worn for long. Agnes is hopeful that the inclusion of a fall and winter outfit may delay her marriage. Her pink and plum clothes are taken away to be given to another girl to avoid wasting anything during wartime.
Agnes begins attending the Rubies Premarital Preparatory, a school for girls from esteemed families who are ready to be married. The Aunts at this school are more stylish compared to the ones at the Vidala School. Shunammite and Becka are already attending the school, and although not much time has passed, they both seem older to Agnes. Shunammite eagerly anticipates getting married to a widower who is around 40 years old and has not loved his first wife or had children. Becka, however, pleads with her family not to make her marry yet, but they receive a good offer from a Commander's family. Tearfully, Becka confesses to Agnes that she does not want to be married and have a man crawling over her. Agnes notices that Becka says she "hates it," not that she "would hate it," suggesting that something disgraceful may have happened to her. Becka expresses her fear of the "wet feeling," while Shunammite jokes about French kisses resembling those of dogs. Agnes empathizes with Becka's horror and offers her understanding, knowing that she cannot discuss her own traumatic experience with Dr. Grove.
Aunt Lise, one of the instructors at Rubies, teaches the girls about the responsibilities of being a proper Wife in Gilead. She emphasizes manners, customs, and being a gracious hostess. The girls learn how to interact with Marthas and Handmaids, understanding that everyone in Gilead serves God in their own way and possesses unique gifts. Aunt Lise also instructs the girls in suitable hobbies such as gardening, ensuring proper preparation and serving of food in the home, engaging in proper