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{{Quote|They figure you've got three years maximum.|[[Moira]] to the "life" expectancy in the Colonies. <ref>To [[Offred]], in ''[[XII Jezebels]], [[Section 38]]''</ref>}}
[[File:Colonies Season 2 teaser trailer.jpg|thumb|300px|The Colonies, as they appear in Season 2 of the TV series.]]
 
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{{Infobox_location
'''The Colonies '''are areas of North America that have been contaminated by pollution and radioactive waste. The [[Republic of Gilead]] often sends those convicted of various crimes, known as Unpeople, to the Colonies, to help clear them up as punishment. The prisoners there wear gray clothing. The Colonies are known to have horrific living conditions, with prisoners or Unpeople sent there being used as slave labour. Those sent to the Colonies often die quickly from sickness brought on by the pollution and poor living conditions, and from malnutrition and over-exertion, with most dying after three years. Being sent to the Colonies is regarded by many as a fate worse than death, and the mere mention of them can instill great dread in the characters.
 
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|image = Colonies_Season_2_teaser_trailer.jpg
 
|imagecaption = The Colonies, as they appear in Season 2 of the TV series.
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|located_within = The inside of what was once the midwestern and southwestern United States. Areas located at the Mexican border such as Texas and the Pacific US are under rebel territory.
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|type = regions
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|status = polluted
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|description = Areas of North America that have been contaminated by pollution and radioactive waste
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}}
 
'''The Colonies '''are areas of North America that have been contaminated by pollution and radioactive waste. The [[Republic of Gilead]], using the system devised by [[Joseph Lawrence]], often sends those convicted of various crimes, known as [[Unwomen|Unpeople]], to the Colonies, to help clear them up as punishment. The prisoners there wear gray clothing. The Colonies are known to have horrific living conditions, with prisoners or Unpeople sent there being used as slave labor. Those sent to the Colonies often die quickly from sickness brought on by the pollution and poor living conditions, and from malnutrition and over-exertion, with most dying after three years. Being sent to the Colonies is regarded by many as a fate worse than death, and the mere mention of them can instill great dread in the characters. It may be the case, but others may say the reverse.
   
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{{FbVidRight|597156367311632|270}}
Notably, after being shown a video of the Colonies, the once-rebellious and outspoken [[Moira]] chose to become a prostitute at [[Jezebel's]] rather than be sent to the Colonies. Some women who were convicted of serious crimes, such as being an intellectual or 'Gender Treachery' (homosexuality), but were still fertile, willingly chose to become [[Handmaid]]s over being sent to the Colonies. It is mentioned that Handmaids that fail to conceive are eventually declared Unwomen and sent off to the Colonies, leading many Handmaids to take risky measures in an effort to get pregnant and be spared such a fate. It is also noted by Moira that a small populace of male homosexuals exist in the Colonies, and that a dress code is enforced in which all laborers are made to wear grey dresses. She theorizes that this is done for the purpose of humiliation.
 
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The Colonies are watched and policed by [[Guardians]], though the [[Aunt]]s primarily act as overseers and slave drivers. Like the society they were banished from, they are also heavily monitored by the [[The Eyes|Eyes]].
   
 
Notably, after being shown a video of the Colonies by [[Aunt Lydia]], the once-rebellious and outspoken [[Moira]] chose to become a prostitute at [[Jezebel's]] rather than be sent to the Colonies. Some women who were convicted of serious crimes, such as being an intellectual, or a gender traitor, but were still fertile, willingly chose to become [[Handmaid]]s over being sent to the Colonies. It is mentioned that Handmaids that fail to conceive are eventually declared Unwomen and sent off to the Colonies, leading many Handmaids to take risky measures in an effort to get pregnant and be spared such a fate. It is also noted by Moira that a small populace of male homosexuals exist in the Colonies, and that a dress code is enforced in which all laborers are made to wear grey dresses. She theorizes that this is done for the purpose of humiliation. Prisoners who fail and or refuse to do their tasks and or follow harsh orders from the Aunts and Guardians are severely punished, and if they continue their insubordination, executed.
It is mentioned in the Epilogue that while most are sent to the horrific areas, if one were lucky, they could be sent to do less hazardous tasks, such as picking cotton or fruit harvesting.
 
   
[[File:Colony_slaves.png|centre]]
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[[File:Colony_slaves.png|left|400px]]
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It is mentioned in the [[Epilogue]] that while most are sent to the horrific areas, if one were lucky, they could be sent to do less hazardous tasks, such as picking cotton or harvesting 100% self-sufficient food. It is unsure if this is actually true in the [[The Handmaid's Tale (TV series)|TV]] series.
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== References ==
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<references/>
 
[[Category:Locations]]
 
[[Category:Locations]]

Revision as of 10:10, 1 September 2019

They figure you've got three years maximum.

Moira to the "life" expectancy in the Colonies. [1]

The Colonies are areas of North America that have been contaminated by pollution and radioactive waste. The Republic of Gilead, using the system devised by Joseph Lawrence, often sends those convicted of various crimes, known as Unpeople, to the Colonies, to help clear them up as punishment. The prisoners there wear gray clothing. The Colonies are known to have horrific living conditions, with prisoners or Unpeople sent there being used as slave labor. Those sent to the Colonies often die quickly from sickness brought on by the pollution and poor living conditions, and from malnutrition and over-exertion, with most dying after three years. Being sent to the Colonies is regarded by many as a fate worse than death, and the mere mention of them can instill great dread in the characters. It may be the case, but others may say the reverse.

The Colonies are watched and policed by Guardians, though the Aunts primarily act as overseers and slave drivers. Like the society they were banished from, they are also heavily monitored by the Eyes.

Notably, after being shown a video of the Colonies by Aunt Lydia, the once-rebellious and outspoken Moira chose to become a prostitute at Jezebel's rather than be sent to the Colonies. Some women who were convicted of serious crimes, such as being an intellectual, or a gender traitor, but were still fertile, willingly chose to become Handmaids over being sent to the Colonies. It is mentioned that Handmaids that fail to conceive are eventually declared Unwomen and sent off to the Colonies, leading many Handmaids to take risky measures in an effort to get pregnant and be spared such a fate. It is also noted by Moira that a small populace of male homosexuals exist in the Colonies, and that a dress code is enforced in which all laborers are made to wear grey dresses. She theorizes that this is done for the purpose of humiliation. Prisoners who fail and or refuse to do their tasks and or follow harsh orders from the Aunts and Guardians are severely punished, and if they continue their insubordination, executed.

Colony slaves

It is mentioned in the Epilogue that while most are sent to the horrific areas, if one were lucky, they could be sent to do less hazardous tasks, such as picking cotton or harvesting 100% self-sufficient food. It is unsure if this is actually true in the TV series.

References