The subtitle for Year of Wonders is Being a Feminist Before Feminism Was Cool. Okay, we made that up. But it might as well be true. The novel follows Anna Frith, a young mother and widow, as she goes on a quest of self-discovery. Though kind of basic herself, Anna finds inspiration in two friends: Anys Gowdie, who's wild and free-spirited, and Elinor Mompellion, who's classy yet unconventional. As Anna rebuilds herself in her friends' images, she explores the way that society exerts control over women and ultimately creates a new sense of self in the process.
Questions About Women and Femininity
- How do Anys and Elinor differ as female role models? Is one better than the other?
- How does Anna's medical career relate to her growing feminism?
- How are accusations of witchery used to subjugate women?
- What is the turning point in Anna's relationship with gender? Is there an explicit turning point?