In The Handmaid's Tale, which symbol represents surveillance?

• A. The red clothing
• B. The color blue
• C. The Handmaid's names
• D. The eyes

Answer: (D)

Surveillance is shown through the Eyes, the regime’s secret police that monitor citizens and enforce the rules. In the world of Gilead, the Eyes symbolize constant watching—people feel they could be watched at any moment, which keeps them in line and breeds fear of rebellion. This symbol captures the idea that privacy is erased and every action is subject to judgment by an unseen, authoritative gaze.

Other symbols signal different forms of control. The red clothing marks the Handmaids’ role and fertility oppression, not the act of being watched. The blue worn by the wives signals social status, not surveillance. The Handmaid’s names highlight identity erasure and ownership, rather than the ever-present observation that the Eyes embody.