Father Melancholy's Daughter Themes

Gail Godwin
This Study Guide consists of approximately 10 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Father Melancholy's Daughter.

Father Melancholy's Daughter Themes

Gail Godwin
This Study Guide consists of approximately 10 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Father Melancholy's Daughter.
This section contains 288 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page)
Buy the Father Melancholy's Daughter Short Guide

Father Melancholy's Daughter Summary & Study Guide Description

Father Melancholy's Daughter Summary & Study Guide includes comprehensive information and analysis to help you understand the book. This study guide contains the following sections:

This detailed literature summary also contains Literary Precedents on Father Melancholy's Daughter by Gail Godwin.

Preview of Father Melancholy's Daughter Summary:

A woman's journey to identity is the primary theme of Father Melancholy's Daughter. Margaret must ask not only "Who am I?" but at the same time, "What do I owe to others?" before she can answer "What do I owe to myself?"

Margaret's way may be harder than most, because her own mother, who struggled with the same questions, is unavailable to her.

There is a related theme of how one's art or work connects with one's real life. Even without any feminist message the book shows these as harder for a woman to integrate than for a man. Walter's personal life and calling are all of one piece. Ruth had to leave home and family to even begin seeking her own work. Madelyn ultimately makes of her art not only a success but a larger statement, but she does it without much of a personal support system...

This section contains 288 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page)
Buy the Father Melancholy's Daughter Short Guide
Copyrights
Gale
Father Melancholy's Daughter from Gale. ©2005-2006 Thomson Gale, a part of the Thomson Corporation. All rights reserved.