The Women: A Novel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024

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Study Guide

Before You Read Beta

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-10

Part 1, Chapters 11-19

Part 1, Chapter 20-Part 2, Chapter 27

Part 2, Chapters 28-35

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools Beta

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Frankie is compelled to serve in the Vietnam War because her family lauds veterans. According to The Women, what are the qualities of a hero? Which of these qualities does Frankie possess?

What role does Frankie’s mother play in the novel? How does her character parallel Frankie? In what ways are the two women foils?

Though Ethel and Barb witness similar atrocities as Frankie during their tours, neither seems to experience the same difficulty acclimating to civilian life. What might be the reason(s) for this? How are Ethel and Barb’s circumstances different from Frankie’s?