Summary

Chapter Ten opens with Agnes detailing the “preparations leading up to [her] proposed marriage” (153) – on the basis that outsiders have an interest in how such things occurred in Gilead. It began when Paula beckoned Agnes into the living room one night, where her father, Commander Kyle, Aunt Vidala, and a new Aunt, Gabbana. They discuss Agnes’ physical readiness for marriage: whether she menstruates, the width of her hips, and the condition of her teeth. Commander Kyle suggests that Agnes might be too young for marriage, but Aunt Gabanna insists that she is not. The following day, Paula tells Agnes she will no longer be attending her school, and a few days later her Marthas pack up her toys from her childhood – including the dollhouse with which she used to play with Tabitha.

Eventually, a “wardrobe team” of Aunts arrived at their house to choose...