Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Last of Us Season 6, Episode 3!
In Hulu’s gripping adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale, June’s ear tag stands out as a significant symbol within her harrowing journey. The dystopian society of Gilead imposes various oppressive practices on its citizens, and the ear tag worn by June is a poignant representation of this bleak world.
The debut of Season 6 marks the conclusion of this acclaimed series, which is based on Margaret Atwood’s seminal novel. Throughout her experiences—in and out of Gilead—June faces relentless adversities as she strives to overthrow the regime and reunite with her daughter, Hannah. Even though she has escaped Gilead, she continues to grapple with deep psychological and physical scars from her time in the oppressive regime.
Ear Tags in Gilead: Their True Purpose
Misconceptions Surrounding Ear Tags
In Gilead, handmaids are subjected to extreme dehumanization, and the ear tags symbolize this treatment. Each handmaid must wear her ear tag, clamped securely to her upper ear. June, enduring this regime’s cruelty, has had to wear two different ear tags throughout her captivity. Remarkably, even after her escape, June retains her ear tag, leaving many fans puzzled by her decision.
One prevalent myth among fans is that these tags serve as GPS trackers—however, this theory remains unconfirmed within the story’s framework. Another hypothesis suggests they function like RFID tags, akin to those used in cattle identification. Perhaps the ear tags exist primarily as a tool of psychological control, instilling fear by leading handmaids to believe they are being monitored. If they were indeed GPS devices, it raises questions about Gilead’s failures to locate escapees like June.
June’s Previous Attempt to Remove Her Ear Tag
June in Season 2: A Desperate Bid for Freedom
While June has been marked by her ear tag for much of the series, there was a pivotal moment in Season 2 when she attempted to escape Gilead by cutting it off herself. In a brutal scene, she forcibly removes part of her ear along with the tag, a symbolic act driven by the fear that being tracked would endanger her escape. Unfortunately, June’s attempts were thwarted, and she was recaptured, leading to the painful necessity of acquiring a new ear tag, which she continues to wear even free from Gilead’s grip.
The Symbolism Behind June’s Ear Tag Retention
A Constant Reminder of the Past
June’s choice to retain her ear tag serves as an impactful reminder of her past. She conveys that she will not discard it until every handmaid has been liberated. This pivotal decision underscores a paramount theme: June refuses to forget her ordeal until Gilead is dismantled for good, not just for herself but for all who suffer under its regime. Many viewers are hopeful they will witness June finally remove this symbol of oppression in the climactic finale of Season 6.
Nonetheless, it appears unlikely that this moment will occur, given Hulu’s announcement of The Testaments, a sequel series based on Atwood’s 2019 book. Set years after the conclusion of The Handmaid’s Tale, the new series will depict a continued Gilead regime, still clinging to power while resistance grows. As long as remnants of Gilead endure, symbols like the ear tag will remain pertinent, emphasizing June’s ongoing struggle.