This is a non-fiction book: the imagery is really in the ideas presented by the author. Betty Friedan begins her book with a description of the problem. The problem, which has been buried for many years, is dissatisfaction and a longing in suburban housewives. Generally, the more education and ability a woman possessed, the more she suffered from the problem that has no name. The majority of women suffered in silence. Those seeking help with these feelings of inner longing were usually advised to seek fulfillment as a wife and mother. Many were labeled as neurotic.