Question

In the novel, 'The Women's Room' by Marilyn French:

1. A promise of the future? Analyze the relationship of Mira and Norm; why did she marry him?
2. Why does Mira make the choice she does with regard to Ben?
3. What is the significance of the $ 300 check to Samantha (Chapter 14, 15, & 16)?

Answer 1

The recent resurgence of feminism has been accompanied by the development of feminist fiction. Identifying those characteristics by which feminist fiction adds to the American novel a new and valid perspective, feminist criticism has also flourished. Feminist critics agree that fiction with a new perspective demands critical evaluation from that same perspective; and Cheri Register provides a concise, thorough list of five elements which comprise effective feminist fiction. Of Register's five criteria, Carol Heilbrun stresses the equalizing, conciliatory influence of androgyny. Recent feminist authors have written many novels which perform one or more of the functions prescribed by Register. Three authors, Albe Kates Shulman, Lisa Alther, and Marilyn French, have each published two feminist novels during the _ last decade. With Register's criteria serving as a guideline, the comparison/contrast of each novelist's more recent work with the previous novel highlights developments in feminist fiction.