The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Theme of Women and Femininity

Unsurprisingly, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants pretty much reeks of estrogen. How could it not? It's the story of four girls losing their innocence and becoming women. Whether they stay close to home or travel halfway around the world, these girls are figuring out what it means to be young women, and what sorts of young women they want to be—all while keeping themselves steady through the unfaltering bond of their friendship. In short, this one's for the ladies. 

Questions About Women and Femininity

  1. How would this novel be different if one of the friends was a boy?
  2. Can girls with such different personalities really be friends?
  3. How much competition exists between the girls to be the prettiest or most attractive?

Chew on This

Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.

This book places a premium on looks, and the girliest looking characters emerge as the most feminine.

This book presents a variety of equally legitimate feminine identities.