Isn't it just the tiniest bit spoiled of Frankie to be dissatisfied with her life? After all, she's got it going on: she's pretty, has a hot boyfriend, is hyper intelligent for her age, and goes to a fancy schmancy private boarding school away from prying parental eyes. But if there's one thing we know about the titular character in The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, it's that she doesn't like to be complacent. She can't accept the fact that her boyfriend just wants her to be sweet and pretty, that she can't join her school's secret society because she's a girl, and that everyone underestimates her because she's only a sophomore. Frankie wants to prove herself, and her dissatisfaction propels her forward.
Questions About Dissatisfaction
- Why can't Frankie be happy with being Matthew's girlfriend? What's missing?
- Why is it so important to Frankie that she be a part of the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds anyway? Wasn't she always aware that they were a males-only club? Doesn't it seem a bit hypocritical that someone who hates the patriarchy so much is, you know, trying to join it?
- What does Frankie's dissatisfaction have to do with the panopticon?
Chew on This
Frankie's dissatisfaction with life only materializes when she comes to the realization that she cannot do what she wants because of certain limitations that her society and school put on her.
Even though Frankie is happy she finally nabbed her crush, she learns that being in a relationship is not all its cracked up to be. She's more satisfied by the chase.