75 pages • 2 hours read
Stephanie DrayBecoming Madam Secretary
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Symbols & Motifs
The Radio
The radio emerges as a significant symbol in Becoming Madam Secretary, representing the evolving nature of political communication and the changing landscape of American society during Frances’s career. Initially introduced in the context of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “fireside chats,” the radio serves as a tool for direct communication between political leaders and the public, bypassing traditional media channels. This symbolic use of the radio underscores the shifting dynamics of political influence and the increasing importance of public opinion in shaping policy decisions.
Throughout the novel, the radio acts as a conduit for pivotal moments in Frances’s professional life. It broadcasts Franklin’s speeches, election results, and news of world events, often serving as the medium through which Frances receives critical information that impacts her work. The radio’s presence in these moments highlights the accelerating pace of information dissemination in the early to mid-20th century and its effect on political decision-making processes.
The radio also functions as a symbol of the broader societal changes occurring during Frances’s tenure as Secretary of Labor. Its ability to reach across geographic and social boundaries reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of American society, mirroring Frances’s efforts to implement nationwide social programs. As the novel progresses, the radio’s role in shaping public discourse on issues such as the New Deal, labor rights, and Social Security underscores the complex relationship Frances must navigate between media, public opinion, and policy making.
Labor Strikes
Labor strikes serve as a recurring motif in Becoming Madam Secretary, representing the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights. Throughout Frances’s career, from her early days as a social worker to her role as Secretary of Labor, labor strikes punctuate the narrative, highlighting the persistent tensions between workers, employers, and the government. These strikes function as catalysts for change, often prompting Frances to take action or reassess her approach to labor issues.
The motif of labor strikes is closely tied to the theme of The Role of Determination in Accomplishing Reform. The strikers themselves demonstrate extraordinary determination in advocating for their rights. Few labor protections existed in this era, and striking workers risked not only the loss of their jobs but also the real possibility of state violence. For Frances, each strike presents an opportunity to implement or advocate for meaningful changes in labor policy, pushing back against a political establishment heavily weighted in favor of employers. For instance, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, while not a strike itself, leads to widespread labor unrest and becomes a defining moment in Frances’s career, spurring her efforts to improve workplace safety. Later strikes, such as the one that Frances resolves in Rome, New York, demonstrate her growing ability to negotiate between opposing parties and implement practical solutions, showcasing the potential for reform through skilled mediation.
As Frances rises to higher positions of power, the labor strike motif evolves to reflect her changing role and the broader scope of her influence. The San Francisco strike, which Frances prevents from turning violent by intervening with President Roosevelt, illustrates how her position as Secretary of Labor allows her to effect change on a national scale. This progression of the strike motif throughout the novel underscores Frances’s increasing capacity to translate the demands highlighted by labor unrest into concrete policy changes, ultimately culminating in the passage of the Social Security Act. Thus, the recurring presence of labor strikes in the narrative serves to reinforce the central theme of the possibility of significant reform, demonstrating how persistent social issues, when addressed by determined reformers in positions of power, can lead to significant changes in society.
Family Illness
The motif of family illness in Becoming Madam Secretary serves as a poignant illustration of the challenges faced by women in government, particularly the struggle to balance personal responsibilities with professional duties. Throughout the novel, Frances confronts various familial health issues, most notably her husband Paul’s bipolar disorder and her daughter Susanna’s health concerns. These recurring instances of family illness highlight the additional burdens often placed on women in positions of power.
Paul’s mental health struggles present a persistent challenge for Frances, requiring her attention and care while she simultaneously navigates her demanding career. As Frances works to manage Paul’s condition while maintaining her public role, she exemplifies the often-invisible personal sacrifices made by women in government. This aspect of the motif underscores the expectation that women will continue to fulfill traditional caregiving roles even as they take on high-level professional responsibilities, a burden not typically shared by their male counterparts. Susanna’s health issues, including her bout with whooping cough and Frances’s concerns about potential inherited mental health conditions, further illustrate the complexities of balancing motherhood with a high-profile government position. Frances’s decision to prioritize her daughter’s care over her professional duties, even in the face of pressure from the White House, demonstrates the difficult choices that women in government often face.
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By Stephanie Dray
