Here's an alternate title for She's Come Undone: She's Come of Age. And not just once, but twice—maybe even three times. We lose count. Early on, Dolores's story has all the hallmarks of a classic coming-of-age story: Her parents get a divorce, they move to a new town, Dolores has to fit in at a new school. But her life gets derailed after being raped by Jack Speight, and her coming-of-age is put on hold. She has to revisit it later with the help of therapy and friends. Dolores proves that age is just a number, and maturity can come at any time.
Questions About Coming of Age
- What are some of the major events in Dolores's coming of age story? Why did you choose the moments you did?
- When do you think Dolores finally comes of age? Why or why not?
- What are the events that set her back, forcing her to re-start the maturation process all over again? What are the similarities and differences in the ways they set her back?
- Will Dolores ever stop growing up?