Changes in Women’s Roles

The novel includes tales ranging from the late 1800s all the way up to 2009 in order describe the ways in which the roles of women have changed during nearly 200 years. When Theresa thinks about how her life with Patrick might have been different she realizes: “The moment a woman was born determined so much of who she was allowed to become” (266). She knew as time progressed there were new opportunities being offered for women as mothers, workers, and individuals. The reader learns the details of Aunt Nellie’s coming to America in about 1887 and the opportunities offered to her at that time. Also included in the novel is information about Nora and Theresa’s immigration to America and the opportunities they were afforded as women in the late 1950s. Information about Bridget and Maeve let the reader know how far opportunities for...