Had it occurred to you before Cora’s conversation with the handmaids that the Marthas depended on the Handmaid as well as the Commander? What do you think this reveals about the Handmaid’s standing in the house? Has it changed your mind about it?

Robert was not waiting for her in the little parlor. he was nowhere at hand. the house was empty. but he had scrawled on a piece of paper that lay in the lamplight: "i love you. good-by—because i love you." what significant idea, presented throughout the novel, does robert's final departure and note highlight? edna is ultimately alone in her rebirth. edna needs to find solace in her children. edna will never be truly loved by anyone. edna should not have forsaken her family.