The Handmaid’s Tale: What is a Martha?

by

In the world of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” audiences were introduced to a female figure within the Republic of Gilead referred to as a ‘Martha’. These characters intrigued viewers due to their distinctive roles and appearances. Consequently, many fans are curious about who or what exactly a Martha is. They also express interest in understanding the tasks these women perform and their place within the society of Gilead.

In the novel “The Handmaid’s Tale,” who or what is Martha? Here’s an explanation about her role.

Martha, in this dystopian narrative, is a character who serves as a housekeeper and a cook for Offred, the story’s protagonist, and other households in the totalitarian state of Gilead. Marthas are essential support staff, providing a crucial service that allows the household to function smoothly while also offering emotional comfort and companionship to the handmaids under their care. Martha is not a central character but plays an important role in helping Offred navigate her oppressive circumstances.

What is a Martha in The Handmaid’s Tale?

In the fictional society of The Handmaid’s Tale, known as the Republic of Gilead, a Martha represents a specific social class of women. Their primary role is to perform household duties for the families of the commanders, and they also engage in other domestic tasks, like laundry work.

Martha’s name originates from the Bible, being named after one of Jesus Christ’s acquaintances, who was known for her practical disposition.

Additionally, Martha’s are set apart from other women by their unique clothing, which includes a green ensemble completed with an apron as the upper layer. They typically wear headscarves that veil their hair.

Martha’s roles typically encompass housekeeping, cooking, and servitude within affluent households they are assigned to. It’s common for them to be unmarried, of lower rank, or infertile women. In their duties, the Martha is often supported by the household’s Handmaid.

In Gilead, the Marthas don’t usually receive monetary payment for their work, because women aren’t legally permitted to hold jobs. Instead, they are given tokens or ration stamps, which function within the broader wartime food rationing scheme.

In the story of The Handmaid’s Tale, it appears that Marthas are often from racial minorities such as African Americans or Latinas. This suggests a form of discrimination against these groups in the society of Gilead. On-screen adaptations, like the TV series, support this idea since characters Martha and Rita are portrayed by actresses of color.

Martha households maintain a unique system for sharing knowledge and chatting informally about diverse subjects. As stated by Offred, should a Martha outlive her most productive years, she’s relocated to the Colonies, where a grim fate awaits her.

As I’ve learned from Fred Waterford in Season 4, if a Martha manages to slip away from her assigned household, it seems like no one really misses her. In contrast to a Handmaid, the search for a missing Martha isn’t given much priority.

Read More

2025-04-16 09:11