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The latest episode of The Testaments has left fans questioning what Marat Sade means.

Episode 9 of the series is now available to stream on Disney Plus, and viewers should be forewarned that it is one of the most harrowing instalments to date.

The Margaret Atwood adaptation is due to conclude next week, with its future still very much up in the air.

Audiences have followed central character Agnes (played by Chase Infiniti) as she grapples with the shocking reality of Gilead, while newcomer Daisy (Lucy Halliday) has been working tirelessly to bring down the oppressive regime.

In the most recent episode, however, Becka unexpectedly becomes embroiled in the 'revolution'. While this may have caught viewers off guard, the episode's title 'Marat Sade' was in fact a subtle nod towards radical change, the Mirror.

Marat/Sade is the abbreviated title for 'The Persecution and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat as Performed by the Inmates of the Asylum of Charenton Under the Direction of the Marquis De Sade'.

It is a philosophical play written in 1963 by famed German artist Peter Weiss. Set within a French asylum, it is a play-within-a-play, meaning the narrative revolves around patients staging a performance about the French Revolution.

In essence, the drama explores a debate between Jean-Paul Marat and Marquis de Sade. Marat contends that a collective revolution could transform society for the better, even if violent measures must be taken to achieve it.

While de Sade contends that humanity is fundamentally selfish, meaning no political revolution can genuinely transform society. He maintains that replacing leaders fails to trigger authentic change.

Instead, de Sade focuses more on the pursuit of individual liberty and personal satisfaction. But how does this connect to The Testaments Episode 9?

*Warning: The following content contains mentions of sexual abuse, which some readers may find distressing.*

As viewers witness at the episode's conclusion, Becka takes a brutal step towards freedom by killing her paedophile father. This follows her discovery that Dr. Grove (Randal Edwards) has been sexually abusing her friends during medical examinations.

While Becka initially rejects Daisy's accusation, she is compelled to confront the reality when Agnes discloses she has also been abused by Grove.

Becka commits murder in a moment of rage and brings her father's crimes to an end. However, it remains uncertain whether her actions will trigger genuine change in Gilead.

The Testaments' series finale will presumably take a position in the Marat/Sade debate.

If you need support or advice on matters raised in this article, please visit www.rapecrisis.org.uk, call the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222 or chat to Rape Crisis online 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.

The Testaments is streaming now on Disney+