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Chapter 4
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
Hours later, Frankie’s bunkmates arrive. They introduce themselves as Ethel Flint, a redheaded ER nurse; and Barb Johnson, a Black surgical nurse. Not knowing many Black people, Frankie feels intimidated by Barb. Ethel instructs Frankie to change clothes—the officers are gathering to welcome the “turtles” (newbies). Frankie only has her fatigues, pajamas, sundress, and nurse’s uniform. Ethel loans her a T-shirt and shorts, claiming the people in charge don’t tell the truth about what life is really like in Vietnam. Frankie tries to wear her flak jacket and helmet as required by regulation, which irritates Barb, who leaves. Ethel promises they will help her fit in, but she makes Frankie take off the helmet and jacket.
Frankie’s discomfort around Barb speaks to her sheltered life on Coronado Island—she has little experience with people who aren’t similarly White and wealthy. That the other nurses have a term for newbies suggests that many, like Frankie, have trouble adjusting to the circumstances in Vietnam. Again, Frankie displays her naivete while trying to find something appropriate to wear. While Ethel blames the Army for Frankie’s unpreparedness, Barb seems frustrated. Ethel’s comment implies that the Army, like the media, fail to represent life in Vietnam accurately. She is the first person to treat Frankie with genuine kindness since her arrival.
Themes
Frankie feels self-conscious in her borrowed clothes and combat boots. She follows Ethel across the compound. Ethel describes the hospital, which has several doctors and surgeons who “think they’re gods.” There are nine women nurses among the medical staff, who work until the last casualty is cared for. Ethel says Frankie will get used to it. She leads the way to a bunker labeled “OFFICERS’ CLUB.” Inside, there are bars, tables, and a stereo system blasting music. The place is filled with people smoking and drinking. During a break in the music, Ethel introduces Frankie to the room. The others shout in greeting.
Despite Ethel’s warm welcome, Frankie still feels out of place. Ethel’s description of working at the hospital reiterates that saving lives is the number one priority, indicating the job will be taxing. The Officers’ Club is evidently a place for camaraderie, and, despite Frankie’s newbie status, the other medical staff welcome her with genuine warmth and solidarity.
Themes
A handsome man smoking marijuana pulls Frankie into a dance and offers her a hit. She thinks of her father’s warnings against “war bachelors”—men who practice free love while bombs fall. Sudden explosions rock the club. A red-alert siren sounds and loudspeakers advise everyone to take cover. Frankie tries to run but the man holds her tight against him. He tells her she’s safe and not to worry. Frankie thinks of Finley’s death throughout the bombing. Another siren signals the all clear. The man introduces himself as Jamie Callahan, a surgeon. After calming Frankie, he turns flirtatious to cover his own fear. The party picks back up. Jamie offers Frankie a shot of whiskey to stop her trembling.
Dad’s warnings about “war bachelors” show that he is still worrying about Frankie’s reputation, possibly more than her safety. That such men exist speaks to the trauma of war, which can compel a person to abandon personal morals in pursuit of fleeting pleasure. The sudden explosions terrify Frankie, emphasizing the distance between her expectations and the reality of war. While she has grieved Finley’s death, this is the first time she comprehends the trauma he endured. Jamie copes with the constant fear of death by appearing flirty and confident, suggesting repressing terror is necessary to survive in Vietnam.
Themes
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