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1. Describe the statue discussed by the narrator of Chapter 1. What is important about it?

The statue appears in front of Ardua Hall and depicts an Aunt of Gilead. The Aunt (revealed as Aunt Lydia in Chapter 6), holds the hand of a young girl, while her other hand is on the head of a young woman crouched beside her. A Pearl Girl missionary stands behind her. Women leave offerings at the base of the statue in hopes of becoming pregnant.

2. Who are the Aunts? How are the Aunts described in Chapter 2 and 3?

The Aunts are older women who are designated to teach the young girls of Gilead. The girls fear the majority of the Aunts. They teach the girls about the brutish nature of men and often frighten the girls with their stories.

3. Who is Agnes Jemima? What does her name mean?

Agnes Jemima is the second narrator of the novel. She is a young girl of Gilead. The name Agnes means "lamb" and the name Jemima was a daughter of Job.

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