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Chapter 33
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
By early 1974, America has left behind the turbulent years surrounding the Vietnam War and become calm. At the therapeutic facility, Frankie undergoes her own transformation, thanks to sobriety and therapy. She no longer ignores her pain and has made progress working through the trauma of her past. With Dr. Alden’s help, Frankie realizes Rye only expressed his love for her in terms of regret. Understanding this helps her move past him and the immoral person she became with him. Dr. Alden reminds her that many other people genuinely love her, like her parents, Ethel, and Barb. The most difficult aspect of Frankie’s recovery is dealing with memories of Vietnam, which Dr. Alden cannot possibly understand.
Like Frankie, America gradually heals from its own communal trauma of the Vietnam years. Although painful, Frankie’s healing process helps her move beyond self-destructive coping mechanisms and stop shaming herself for taking desperate measures in the absence of support. Though it is difficult for anyone outside the veteran community to truly understand what Frankie went through, she knows now that her friends and family are available and willing to support her, no matter what, because they love her.
Themes
Frankie worries about leaving the facility. Henry believes she’s ready, but he reminds her that he will always be available as a friend. He urges her to ask for help before reaching a breaking point. Frankie feels lucky to have met Henry. Now, she leaves the facility, contemplating how many other veterans will find help there. Mom and Dad pick her up. Frankie knows how much she put them through and is grateful they’re still here. Mom hugs Frankie fiercely. Frankie knows the memory of pulling her from the ocean will haunt Dad forever. Mom comments that Frankie’s bag smells mildewed. Frankie explains monsoon season, and Mom says it sounds unpleasant. Frankie realizes this is the first conversation they’ve had about Vietnam.
Frankie worries she will fall back into self-destructive patterns if left on her own, but Henry reminds her that support is always available. Frankie leaves the facility with a greater awareness of how pervasive PTSD is among veterans, which makes her feel less alone. The events leading up to Frankie’s commitment seem to have impressed upon Mom and Dad the seriousness of their daughter’s trauma. Their reunion gives Frankie hope that she can one day share what Vietnam was like with her parents—for the first time, Mom expresses curiosity about Vietnam.
Themes
Frankie insists on staying in her own house instead of with Mom and Dad. Mom is proud of Frankie and tells her not to scare her again. Frankie considers what it must have been like to lose a child and feels she understands her mother better. Both of them are surviving “a day at a time.” Frankie has plans to find an Alcoholics Anonymous group and get a sponsor. She won’t reapply for her nursing license until she’s confident in her recovery. Inside the house, Frankie reflects on her choices and experiences, realizing she is free to shape a new life.
Frankie’s apparent confidence in her way forward speaks to the significant personal growth she has experienced. She is bolstered by Mom’s pride and solidarity as a woman who has suffered differently but nevertheless learned to cope. Frankie’s ruminations on her life up to this point reveal a certain moral ambiguity: she has neither been perfect nor horrible, but something in between. That she is able to forgive her failings and accept this middle ground gives her freedom to move forward and build the life she desires.
Themes
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In the summer, Frankie walks back from an AA meeting, looking at the ocean and thinking of Finley. She steels herself to tell Mom and Dad about her future plans. Seeing Dad on the patio, Frankie thinks of the healing conversations he still refuses to have. She’s learned to accept his flaws. Frankie sits Mom and Dad down and tells them about the work she’s done to view her life honestly and make plans for the future. She’s decided to move off Coronado Island using the money from selling her house. Frankie longs to be somewhere quiet after the noise of Vietnam and its aftermath. Mom says they will worry. Smiling, Frankie says, “It’s not like I’m going to war.”
Rather than fear or anger, Frankie remembers Finley with sorrow and fondness as she considers moving on from their childhood home. Though Frankie has not completely found closure in her disagreements with Dad, she has forgiven him and healed enough to move forward without his approval. Frankie’s decision to move indicates she is finally prioritizing her own needs and has taken the time to learn what she wants out of life.
Themes
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In August, Frankie leaves Coronado. Barb is waiting by her car, intent on supporting her best friend through this transition. Ethel is pregnant again but sends her love. They drive past Mom and Dad, leaving Frankie’s childhood behind. For days, Barb and Frankie travel north, listening to music that reminds them of Vietnam. They stay different places, in search of Frankie’s new home. In Montana, they spot a sign listing 27 acres for sale. The land is beautiful and remote, with an old barn and farmhouse. Frankie is confident she could fix it up and find community in nearby Missoula. Barb can tell Frankie’s made up her mind. Frankie turns off the radio and appreciates the quiet.
It is no surprise that Barb insists on helping Frankie find a new home, as she has always supported and wanted what’s best for her friend. Rather than avoiding thinking of Vietnam on the journey, they lean into their memories, nostalgic for the good times they shared abroad. In choosing a quiet place to live, Frankie prioritizes her own peace, which she has sacrificed for so long.
Themes
