The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

The novel is narrated by a first-person narrator who has omniscient access to the protagonist. Could Frankie be this narrator? Support or refute this possibility using evidence from the text.

Zada argues that “[the] institutions of male supremacy only have real power over you if you buy into that notion” (202). Does the novel support this view?

Ruth, Zada, and Frankie claim to be a feminists. How do their philosophies vary?

Why does Frankie long to be accepted by the Bassets? Analyze her contrasting opinions of them.

Consider how Artie and his friends dress as “girls” for Halloween. Think about what they wear, how they act, and what Artie says about a bigger bra size creating more “impact.” How do their choices emphasize one or more of the novel’s themes?

What is the role of irony in the text? How do its ironies highlight its themes? Consider both situational and dramatic irony.

Analyze Frankie’s use of neglected positives throughout the text. Consider when she employs them, patterns in their use, and the responses she receives when she uses them. How do they illuminate her goals and suggest the social response to those goals?

Analyze the symbolism of clothing in the text. You may choose to focus on Matthew’s Superman T-shirt, Frankie’s bikini, the “silly” brassieres the Bassets add to the paintings of men on campus, or any other clothing items of your choice.