Quotation 7

"Blessed is the fruit. May the Lord open."

This quote demonstrates the strict society in which women live. The greeting and response featured demonstrate how restricted women are. Handmaids have a standard greeting which they must offer and a response which must be given in return. Consequences result if any other type of greeting is used. In addition, the quote demonstrates the purpose of the handmaids, which is to bear children. The reference to blessed fruit is a clear reference to conception and pregnancy. p.19