Cora is an obedient servant who belongs to the class of Marthas – infertile women. They are of the lowest status because they cannot become Wives. Their main tasks are connected with household, cleaning, doing manual work. Cora is kind, and she has a good relationship with the narrator. She even wants Offred to become pregnant because this will let Cora look after the baby. This woman knocks before entering the Offred's room. This small but polite gesture appeals to the narrator. She thinks that such a polite behavior is unique within the community.
Cora symbolizes people who can be satisfied with their work, and even do mundane tasks with pleasure.
Cora in the Essays
Author: Teresa Nelson