"They are, after all, empty. When they are old they revolt, then slowly explode, the petals thrown away like fragments" (Atwood 45). In the novel, the tulips somehow symbolize those of the handmaid. Atwood refers to how the handmaids have emptied themselves. It could mean empty as in not pregnant or refer to their mental state of loneliness and despair. The tulips slowly explode, which mirrors how the Handmaids slowly die and suffer under the rule and commanders of Gilead. Atwood might criticize the way some men are suppressing women around the world. “He held out his hands to us, the ancient gesture was both an offering and an invitation, to come forward, into an embrace, an acceptance” (Atwood 47). Through this image, Aunt Lydia symbolizes a priest, prophet, or Christ holding out his hands to people and inviting them to his beliefs. Atwood is making a connection between Gilead and its religious base. “I called her mine” (Atwood 49). Why did he call his room his? This is an interesting line. he called the room his to give himself possession of the room and feel that he still possesses something and still has value. She has given herself the power of possession that she lacks. Why was the commander in his room? I think he was looking for Offred for a certain reason. Maybe he wanted to satisfy his lust or simply spy. However, Aunt Lydia only played the first part which supports Gilead's ideology. This is reflected in Gilead's government system which uses and distorts biblical verses to support their motivations in controlling the Handmaids. The original verse suggests that pure women will rebel against those who suppress them, but Gilead only chooses the side that suits his ideas. This also shows us how Gilead uses language to control the Handmaids' language. Atwood might reflect on how in today's world some groups twist religious facts to control them