The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses sexist attitudes and the objectification of women. 

Frankie’s journey centers on her growing awareness and rejection of society’s rigid standards and expectations of female conduct. Her rapid physical maturation just prior to her sophomore year serves as a catalyst for this awakening since it opens her eyes to these often-invisible rules. For instance, her family does not permit her to walk alone in a small town, underscoring how society controls female behavior in ways that men are exempt from. Further, as Frankie interacts with her school’s popular boys, she becomes aware of these deeply entrenched norms and wants to challenge them.

Frankie’s early messages about the way she’s supposed to behave come primarily from her family. They call her “Bunny Rabbit,” which implies that Frankie is docile and helpless. They also name her “Frances” after her father “Franklin,” which is a nod to his unfulfilled wish for a son and implies that boys are more desirable offspring. Although one of Frankie’s uncles allowed his son to walk alone into town at age 12, Frankie’s mother refuses to allow her the same privilege at 15. Frankie understands that if she “were a boy” (12), things would be different.