How to Become a Writer

by

Lorrie Moore

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on How to Become a Writer makes teaching easy.

Francie’s Roommate Character Analysis

Francie’s roommate is a caring presence in Francie’s college life. When Francie shares with her a particularly absurd idea for a new story, she takes Francie out for a drink, which demonstrates, on one hand, her affection for Francie, and on the other hand, her inability to understand or empathize with Francie’s creative ambition. Her suggestion that Francie only writes about her boyfriend shows that her comprehension of Francie’s work only extends to the things she knows about her—a sign that Francie is not yet a fully accomplished writer and that her roommate, like her mother, will never totally understand her, despite caring for her in practical ways.

Francie’s Roommate Quotes in How to Become a Writer

The How to Become a Writer quotes below are all either spoken by Francie’s Roommate or refer to Francie’s Roommate. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Creativity and Perseverance  Theme Icon
).
How to Become a Writer Quotes

You spend too much time slouched and demoralized. Your boyfriend suggests bicycling. Your roommate suggests a new boyfriend. You are said to be self-mutilating and losing weight, but you continue writing. The only happiness you have is writing something new, in the middle of the night, armpits damp, heart pounding, something no one has yet seen.

Related Characters: Francie, Francie’s Boyfriend, Francie’s Roommate
Page Number: 122
Explanation and Analysis:
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Francie’s Roommate Quotes in How to Become a Writer

The How to Become a Writer quotes below are all either spoken by Francie’s Roommate or refer to Francie’s Roommate. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Creativity and Perseverance  Theme Icon
).
How to Become a Writer Quotes

You spend too much time slouched and demoralized. Your boyfriend suggests bicycling. Your roommate suggests a new boyfriend. You are said to be self-mutilating and losing weight, but you continue writing. The only happiness you have is writing something new, in the middle of the night, armpits damp, heart pounding, something no one has yet seen.

Related Characters: Francie, Francie’s Boyfriend, Francie’s Roommate
Page Number: 122
Explanation and Analysis: