The Handmaids - A Marxist Analysis.

The page is about the Queen's handmaids, who are called Yane, Sache, Sabe, Rabe, Ertae, Killme, Ignoreme, Overlookme and Laughatme.
The role of the Handmaids in the mythology of Star Wars is ususally forgotten by analysts. However, without at least a vague familiarity with their symbolism, it is hard to understand the message inherent in the film series as a whole.
Obviously, the Handmaids represent the proletariat masses - faceless and generic. Their role as servants to the ruler of their land has led them to adopt a uniform look to match their subserviant role. This is Lucas' rendering of the old truth that the submissive portion of a population lose their inividual identity, becoming camoflaged against the outside world which could offer them hope of self-assertion. However, Star Wars attempts to misdirect the people away from an understanding of the class struggle. Note how Luke, poor farm boy from a planet of sand, realises his self worth though contact with the Force (representing religion) and eventually discovers blood-ties with royalty. Luke is portrayed as unable to grow without divine intervention - Leia already benfits from the so-called divine right of kings. Therefore, there is no need to show Leia's personal discovery - she is already 'perfect'. However, in her relationship with Han Solo, she marries beneath herself. Small wonder that this aspect is never explored fully in the films.
It is never made clear in the film how the Handmaids are viewed by the rest of the working masses. These women, after all, are closely assossiated with a tyrannical ruler who rules by right of birth. Are they seen as traitors to the cause? (Indeed is there a cause? There appears to be no organised resistance by the People, are they compliant or badly organised? Or ir the opposition movement so efficient as to be invisible?) Or are they aknowledged as fellow workers nonetheless? To answer this question we would require more information on the circumstances surrounding their entrance to the Court, and on the situation in which they remain. They appear to be on good terms with the Queen herself, but while she is prepared to delegate responsibility in times of danger, it is left unclear whether Amidala would react kindly to usurpation under normal conditions.
How are the Handmaids selected? Are they themselves an elite? The lack of male Handmaids suggests that the system by which the are selected is in no way a true meritocracy. The anonymous robes worn by the Handmaids suggest poverty, but this may be misleading. However, it is hard to accept that an aristocracy would consent to servile status. Regardless, the Handmaids must remain faceless in the system imposed upon them - to present the view that all are equal to the monarch they serve would be highly dangerous to Queen Amidala.
It can be concluded, therefore, that the anonymous dress of the Handmaids is not intended to 'make them look pretty', but instead to oppress and discourage the people.