Mona Lisa Smile Discussion Questions

1) A woman's role in the 1950's were completely different to Ms. Watson's view. Women in this time period were expected to be a wife and mother, and nothing else. Expectations for women were things such as having dinner on the table by 5:30 pm, and being there to cater to their husband's every need. Women were not expected to have their own career. Katherine Watson however, felt the complete opposite. She was not married, even though she was in her late twenties. She was looked upon by others as an outcast for this, even though it was entirely her choice. Just that it was against societies norm, made her stand out. She also wanted to teach her student's that even though they were women they could do whatever they dreamed of. She understood not all women only wanted to be married and have kids, some wanted a career of their own.

3) In the movie, Betty had such an outrageous reaction to Joan's application to Yale because it was against everything society had taught her. The fact that her friend even considered straying from the path the world said was her destiny, as a woman, scared Betty. Betty had only been taught by her controlling mother that there was no other job for a woman than a wife and mother. If i had been in Betty's place, I would not have reacted in the same way. Even if i had felt similar to Betty, as a friend I would have supported Joan if it was really what she wanted. In my opinion, Betty seemed to react in a sort of manipulative and controlling way. She should have supported her friend, even if they had different views on the subject.