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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
March 14, 1969 is Frankie’s last day in Vietnam. She thinks of how she followed Finley here and ended up finding herself. Now, she is uncertain about returning stateside. Her footlocker is full of mementoes from friends and soldiers and her photographs. Back home, she knows, the protests are becoming angrier. Even soldiers are drawing peace signs on their helmets. Frankie writes a note to Margie and dons her uniform for the journey home. Rye accompanies her to the airport in Saigon, where soldiers wait in nervous silence, knowing they aren’t safe until they’ve left Vietnamese airspace. Rye still has 27 days left in-country. Frankie tells him she loves him, but she doesn’t say goodbye—it feels like bad luck.
On the eve of her departure, Frankie feels she is leaving familiarity behind for uncertainty, even though she’s going home. Despite the horror of Vietnam, Frankie has experienced immense personal growth and connection during her service. On the other hand, based on the American news, Frankie is unsure about what’s waiting for her at home. Her departure itself feels abrupt and anxious, especially since she is leaving Rye behind.
Themes
Frankie watches Rye until the jet takes off. The soldiers cheer, but Frankie feels strangely bereft. Vietnam will always be the place she discovered her confidence. When she finally arrives in Los Angeles, she sees both military personnel and protesters near the gate. The protesters call her a “Nazi bitch” and spit on her. Frankie retrieves her bag with the help of some Marines, shocked that no one else stood up for her. According to one Marine, no one cheers for a lost war. Frankie hasn’t told her parents she’s coming home, wanting to surprise them. But no taxi will stop for her, and many drivers flip her off. She ends up taking the bus, facing even more public derision.
Again, Frankie’s positive experiences in Vietnam make her reluctant to leave it, highlighting the pride she takes in her nursing skills. On the other hand, strangers shame Frankie when she arrives in Los Angeles wearing her Army uniform because they disapprove of the war. While the public no longer believes the government’s lies about Vietnam, they misplace the blame on people like Frankie who were just trying to serve their country. Only fellow servicemen stand in solidarity with Frankie because they understand what she has been through.
Themes
On Coronado Island, Frankie finally catches a cab. Outside her parents’ house, she basks in the sense of being home. Inside, Dad seems surprised but not excited to see her. He hugs her quickly. Frankie gives him a Polaroid of herself, Ethel, and Barb for the heroes’ wall. Mom’s happy reaction is more genuine. Dad remarks that Frankie wanted to surprise them the same way she surprised them by joining the Army. He leaves for a meeting. Mom says Dad hasn’t been the same since losing Finley and Frankie to the war. She suggests Frankie rest. Frankie’s old room, with its hope chest and ruffles, feels foreign to her. Despite the changes she’s undergone, Frankie hopes tomorrow will be better.
Mom and Dad don’t react to Frankie’s homecoming the way she expects. Dad is notably distant and makes a resentful remark about Frankie’s decision to join the Army. Mom’s happiness likewise seems subdued and she avoids talking to Frankie for long. That Frankie had a photograph ready for Dad’s heroes’ wall indicates she expects him to be proud of her heroic service—but his lack of a reaction to it suggests she’ll be disappointed.
Themes
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