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Chapter 9
Themes
and Colors
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
In September, monsoon season ends and is replaced by unbearable heat. One day, Ethel and Barb wake Frankie after a few hours’ sleep. It’s Ethel’s DEROS (date eligible to return overseas) and she wants a proper send-off. Frankie changes into her swimsuit and accompanies her friends (including Jamie) to an armed helicopter, manned by a few of the Seawolves from the navy, Slim and Coyote. They land near a riverbank from which Saigon is visible. The beach is filled with partygoers, food and drink, and a banner for Ethel. There is even an old speedboat in the river.
Just as Frankie and her friends sacrifice rest for work, they do the same to celebrate and support one another. Ethel’s party is another clear example of the soldiers’ resilient joy in the face of unspeakable horror, highlighting how community and celebration are essential to coping with trauma.
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Themes
Slim, who knows Ethel well, is glad she’s getting out of Vietnam but will miss her terribly. Ethel feels similarly conflicted. The friends drink and board the speedboat. Frankie claims she is game for anything, prompting Ethel to say the second rule in Vietnam is never to volunteer. In a wide part of the river, the Seawolves produce a pair of water skis. Frankie hesitates, thinking of the Viet Cong who are known to leave traps in the water, but she gets in. It takes her several tries to let the speedboat pull her upright. For a moment, Frankie feels she is at a normal beach party and wishes Finley could see her. Overcome with happiness, she howls.
Ethel’s contradictory feelings about leaving Vietnam illustrate the inherent complications of heroism. On one hand, she is proud of her service and grateful for her friends’ solidarity. On the other, she is putting herself at constant risk by remaining in Vietnam, and she’s ready to go home. Highlighting these ups and downs adds nuance to the novel’s exploration of the wartime experience. On the water skis, Frankie experiences genuine joy which sharply contrasts with the violent backdrop of war.
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They stay till evening, sitting around a campfire. Ethel shares stories of her Virginia farm, which Frankie loves. Slightly drunk, Frankie avoids Jamie, not trusting her willpower. His DEROS came in—he will be gone in three months. Like other short-timers, Jamie worries Vietnam has ruined him and he won’t make it to his leave date. Now, he asks Frankie to dance, and she gives in. Jamie kisses Frankie’s neck and asks her to come with him to Maui for his R and R (rest and recuperation) leave tomorrow. Sarah will be there, waiting for him. He asks if Frankie could have loved him, and she struggles not to admit she already does.
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Abandoning Jamie, Frankie rejoins Ethel. Frankie says she can’t imagine continuing without Ethel, who reassures her she’ll be fine. Frankie is suddenly homesick and misses Finley. She is tired of losing people. Ethel says she must be crazy because she doesn’t want to leave. Suddenly, the night erupts with explosions and gunfire. The helicopter pilot declares the party over—the Seawolves are needed in the Highlands. In the air, the chopper veers sharply to avoid the VC’s bullets, which are targeting them. Jamie holds Frankie close, saying he’s got her. The explosions are close enough for Frankie to feel their heat, and she thinks again of Finley. The melee ends and they return to the 36th.
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Themes
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A red alert sounds at three a.m. Frankie spends eight hours in the OR with Jamie. Walking through compound afterward, Jamie tells Frankie he loves her. Frankie tells him to have fun in Maui, feeling he isn’t “hers to love.” Back at the hooch, Ethel has left without saying goodbye. Frankie reflects that war is full of missed goodbyes, like with Finley. For the next week, Frankie works with Rob Aldean, a new doctor. They are short-staffed again. One night, a single helicopter arrives. Barb requests Frankie’s assistance. The casualty is Jamie. His chopper was shot down. He’s lost a leg and has chest and head wounds. Frankie calls Rob, who says Jamie won’t make it. Frankie begs Rob to try.
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