It's not that guys aren't important in One Whole and Perfect Day, but when it comes to gender roles here, it's all about the ladies. Throughout the story, women attempt to solidify their roles in careers, the home, and relationships, questioning what femininity looks like in their particular lives. Some, like Rose, are maybe a little too timid in standing up to tell the men in their lives what's what, while others, like Nan, clearly wear the proverbial pants in their households.
Most of all, though, Lily's storyline looks at how teenagers deal with growing into young women, and how this affects the way they see each other and themselves.
Questions About Women and Femininity
- There are a lot of wives and moms in this book. How are their marriages and families similar or different?
- How does Rose's relationship with Clara compare to Marigold's relationship with Lily?
- What aspects of being a female teenager does Lily struggle with? Why?
- Do you think Rose does the right thing by responding to Charlie's orders and putting up with his bossy temperament? Or is Clara right when she suggests Rose leave? How do you think their marriage will change as a result of the story's events?
Chew on This
Having adult responsibilities and being unconventionally beautiful prevent Lily from fully entering the world of teenage girls.
Rose's patience with Charlie stems from the value she places on family as a result of her parents' deaths.