Essay Questions

How does Alice McDermott explore the conventional role of women in the novel Absolution?

Alice McDermott's novel revolves around Patricia and Charlene's role in conventional times. Patricia and Charlene were wives who dedicated their lives to support their husbands. The local women in Vietnam were submissive and did everything society expected them to accomplish. Consequently, the conventional role of women involved caring for the family, supporting husbands, and remaining submissive.

What pushes Rainey to reach out to Patricia after sixty years?

Rainey is the daughter of Charlene, and she last saw Patricia sixty years ago. Rainey is interested in learning about her mother's past, her roles, and how she coordinated with other women to achieve her ambitions. When Rainey meets an old Vietnamese vet to learn more about their history, she remembers Patricia and arranges a meeting with her. The conversation between Patricia and Rainey reveals a lot about women's involvement in historical politics and the Vietnamese War. In addition, readers learn how America interfered with Southern Asian countries in the 1960s.

Who is Charlene, and what is her significance in the novel Absolution by Alice McDermott?

Charlene is a corporate woman, the wife of an oil magnate husband in Vietnam. Charlene is a significant figure in the novel because her role shows the impact of unity among women if they want to attain economic empowerment. Charlene forms an alliance with Patricia to mobile funds that empower the local Vietnamese women. In addition, Charlene's role in the novel shows how women can support their husbands to achieve their ambitions.