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Chapter 15
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Women, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Trauma, Healing, and the Vietnam War
Women’s Experiences and Solidarity
Heroism, Honor, and Sacrifice
Propaganda vs. Truth
Shame, Pride, and Moral Ambiguity
Summary
Analysis
After arriving on the island of Kauai, Frankie falls asleep in her hotel. She wakes to the sound of birds rather than explosions. After a hot bath, she heads to the beach, which is filled with locals and men on leave. Frankie remembers Finley teaching her to surf as she floats in the ocean and naps on the sand. A Marine offers to buy her a drink, but she declines. Another man approaches: Rye. He was the one who informed Captain Miniver that Frankie hadn’t taken any R and R. Now, Rye tells Frankie he broke off his engagement. Life is short and he has feelings for Frankie. Frankie confirms she feels the same and agrees to have dinner with Rye.
For the first time in a year, Frankie is able to truly relax. Still, memories of Finley haunt her, demonstrating the lingering quality of trauma. Rye’s broken engagement quashes Frankie’s ethical reasons for avoiding a romance with him. However, it’s worth noting that Rye used his status to manipulate circumstances so he and Frankie would be on leave at the same time, suggesting that he perhaps isn’t trustworthy.
Themes
Frankie calls Barb from a payphone and tells her about Rye. Having been raised in the Catholic tradition of abstinence, Frankie asks about sex. Barb advises she use condoms since only married women can get birth control and tells Frankie to be bold, among other things. In preparation, Frankie gets a haircut, a new dress, and shaves. She hardly recognizes herself, perceiving both sorrow and hope in her reflection. That evening, she meets Rye in the hotel’s dining room, where the presence of vacationers reminds her that life has gone on, despite the war and the protests. They make stilted conversation before Frankie brings up Finley’s going-away party. Rye says Finley believed in the Navy’s mission and wanted to make his father proud.
That Frankie calls Barb for sex advice speaks to the trust in their friendship. Though brief, the fact that only married women can get birth control reminds the reader that sex outside of marriage is still considered unacceptable for women in this time period. Frankie finds the normality of the world outside Vietnam disorienting, which highlights how much she has changed—and it foreshadows a difficult transition when she eventually returns home from the war. Her relationship with Rye seems to hinge upon their mutual love of Finley. Rye’s comment suggests Finley’s desire for Dad’s approval motivated him to volunteer for the war.
Themes
Rye confesses he followed Frankie into Dad’s office during the party because he had a crush on her. Raised in poverty in Compton, Rye always felt uncomfortable among Frankie’s family. Reflecting on how chance or fate has led them here, Frankie asks about Rye’s family. Suddenly, a retired Army captain approaches and offers to pay for their meal out of gratitude for their service. After the meal, Frankie and Rye wander to the beach. Rye has a picnic basket with a blanket, candles, and champagne. They sit and watch the stars. Rye asks to kiss Frankie, and Frankie allows it. He doesn’t push her, and Frankie is surprised to find she is the one wanting more.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Rye has manipulated circumstances to get Frankie alone. While Frankie’s memory of their interaction in Dad’s office revolves around Rye’s assertion that women can be heroes, he was apparently mostly thinking of his crush on her. It isn’t surprising the man who buys them dinner is an Army captain, as the novel suggests that veterans are uniquely aware of and grateful for the sacrifices a person makes while serving their country.
Themes
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Frankie feels destined to find Rye. Knowing they’ll both be back in Vietnam soon, they have sex. She spends the rest of her R and R with Rye, often in his bed or on secluded beaches. Frankie realizes Rye could break her heart but feels she has been waiting for love like this her whole life. On their last day, Frankie tells Rye she isn’t going home. Rye is angry: the war is getting worse because the U.S. refuses to admit defeat. Though Frankie appreciates his concern, she won’t let him tell her what to do. She says both of them are “believers,” following their sense of duty and honor. Afraid and proud, Rye says he won’t leave Frankie alone.
Freed from worrying about compromising her morals by enabling Rye to cheat, Frankie allows herself to fall in love with Rye. Given the horrors she has witnessed, it’s no wonder that Frankie becomes so quickly attached. It’s implied that Rye’s fear for Frankie’s safety motivates him to sign up for a second tour in the hopes of protecting her. Frankie sees them as kindred spirits dedicated to their sense of honor.
Themes
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