Kristin Hannah’s Women Explore Resilience and Adaptability

Welcome, everyone, to what promises to be an extraordinary and enlightening conversation. Today, we are bringing together some of the most iconic and resilient female characters in literature, all beautifully crafted by the talented Kristin Hannah. These women have endured the harshest of circumstances—whether it was the brutality of war, the weight of societal expectations, or the personal battles they fought to claim their independence and agency.

In this special gathering, we’ll explore themes of resilience, adaptability, and the ongoing fight for agency and recognition. These characters have not only survived but have thrived, often against overwhelming odds, and their stories still hold powerful lessons for the challenges women face in today’s world.

So, whether you’re here for inspiration, insight, or simply to connect with these unforgettable voices, I invite you to join us for a conversation that transcends time and continues to shine a light on the strength, courage, and spirit of women across generations. This is a discussion you won’t want to miss.

The Evolving Role of Women in Times of Crisis

Frankie McGrath: I’ve often wondered how the world views the roles we women played during our respective crises. For me, in Vietnam, the challenges weren’t just about facing the horrors of war. It was about coming home to a society that didn’t even want to acknowledge our service. Women like us were expected to be silent, to fit back into a mold that no longer fit.

Scarlett O'Hara: Oh, honey, you’re preaching to the choir! After the Civil War, I had to rebuild everything from scratch—Tara, my life, my future. The men were either dead, wounded, or too traumatized to pick up the pieces. But did anyone see me as a heroine? No, they saw a woman who should be delicate and proper, not one who gets her hands dirty. And yet, I survived because I was willing to do what needed to be done.

Polly Oliver: That resonates with me too, Scarlett. As a midwife and nurse during the Civil War, I saw more than my share of suffering and loss. But like you, I had to step up when others couldn’t or wouldn’t. It’s heartening to see that women today are being recognized more for their roles in crises, whether they’re on the front lines of a pandemic or leading efforts for climate change. But the fight for recognition never truly ends, does it?

Sarah Agnes Prine: It’s true. Out on the frontier, life was a constant crisis—droughts, raids, sickness—you name it. We women were expected to manage it all while holding onto some semblance of propriety. The fact that we did it without breaking still surprises me. But what I see now, in today’s women, is that they’re not just managing; they’re leading. They’re taking charge in ways we could only dream of back then.

Lily Owens: I think what’s most encouraging is seeing how today’s women aren’t as constrained by those old expectations. When I ran away to Tiburon, I was searching for more than just answers about my mother. I was searching for a place where I could be myself, where I could grow beyond what society thought I should be. And now, young women are making those spaces for themselves in every field—from politics to science to art.

Rilla Blythe: That’s something I’ve noticed too, Lily. During the Great War, we had to shoulder so much—responsibility, loss, fear—often without much support. Today, women still face enormous challenges, but there’s a greater recognition of their contributions, and they have more tools at their disposal to fight for equality and justice. It’s a different kind of war now, but the courage and resilience remain the same.

Frankie McGrath: It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come, yet we can all agree that the journey isn’t over. Women are still fighting for their voices to be heard in every crisis, but there’s hope in the fact that more of us are being recognized as the leaders, healers, and warriors we’ve always been. What do you all think about how these changes are being driven by women themselves, not just by the circumstances we find ourselves in?

Scarlett O'Hara: I think that’s the key, Frankie. We’re no longer just reacting to crises; we’re shaping the responses, leading the charge. And we’re doing it in a way that honors our strengths, our stories, and our unwavering resolve to not just survive, but to thrive.

Polly Oliver: Absolutely. It’s about time the world sees that women’s strength isn’t just in our ability to endure, but in our ability to transform, to lead, and to create lasting change, even in the face of the greatest crises.

Sarah Agnes Prine: And as we do, we’re making sure the next generation of women knows they don’t have to wait for permission to take their place in history—they’re writing it themselves.

Lily Owens: We’ve come a long way, but what excites me most is the thought of how much farther we can go. We’re no longer bound by the roles society assigns us; we’re defining our own.

Rilla Blythe: And as long as we keep pushing forward, as long as we support each other, there’s nothing we can’t overcome. It’s a new world, and we’re helping to shape it in ways that would make the women of our past proud.

Coping with Trauma and Mental Health Awareness

Frankie McGrath: One thing I struggled with after Vietnam was the silence. Coming home, no one wanted to talk about what we’d been through—especially not with a woman. The trauma was real, and I carried it like a weight that just wouldn’t lift. Today, there’s more awareness around mental health, but I can’t help but wonder, are we really doing enough to support those who’ve faced unimaginable horrors?

Polly Oliver: I know that feeling, Frankie. During the Civil War, we were expected to just carry on, no matter what we saw or did. There was no talk of trauma or how it might affect us later. We were supposed to be strong, stoic. I’ve heard people today talk about PTSD, and it makes me think how much I could have used that understanding back then.

Rilla Blythe: It’s similar to what we faced after the Great War. So many young men came back shattered, but the women who kept everything going on the home front were also deeply affected. We were expected to be the strong ones, the ones who could hold everything together, but that didn’t mean we weren’t hurting. I’m glad that today, there’s more recognition of the mental toll that war and crisis take on everyone involved.

Lily Owens: And it’s not just about war. Trauma can come from so many places—like the loss of a loved one, or the weight of secrets kept for too long. When I learned the truth about my mother, it tore me apart, but there was no one to guide me through that pain. Today, there’s more understanding of how trauma affects us, but I think there’s still a long way to go in truly supporting those who need it.

Sarah Agnes Prine: I agree, Lily. Life on the frontier was a constant struggle, and we didn’t have the luxury of processing our pain. We just had to keep moving forward, no matter what. But even though we didn’t have the words for it, the trauma was still there. I see today’s conversations about mental health as a huge step forward, but I worry that sometimes the focus is too much on quick fixes, rather than real, lasting support.

Scarlett O'Hara: For me, survival was everything. I didn’t have time to dwell on the past or the pain—it was all about getting through the next day, and the next. But looking back, I realize how much that mindset cost me in the long run. Today, I see women—and men—struggling with similar issues, trying to find ways to cope with what they’ve been through. It’s better now, with therapy and support networks, but the stigma is still there, isn’t it?

Frankie McGrath: Yes, the stigma is still real. Even today, people hesitate to reach out for help, fearing they’ll be seen as weak. But we know better, don’t we? We know that facing trauma head-on takes more strength than ignoring it. It’s good to see that mental health is being taken more seriously, but it’s also clear that we need to keep pushing for more understanding and more resources.

Polly Oliver: It’s true, Frankie. The fact that people are talking about mental health is progress, but we need to make sure that talk turns into action. There’s still so much more that can be done, especially for those who’ve been through the worst of it. We can’t let them fall through the cracks.

Lily Owens: And we need to make sure that support is available for everyone, not just those who know how to ask for it. Sometimes, the people who need help the most are the ones who don’t know where to turn, or who feel too ashamed to admit they’re struggling. We have to be there for them, too.

Sarah Agnes Prine: And let’s not forget the importance of community. Back on the frontier, we leaned on each other because we had no choice. I think that’s something we’ve lost in today’s world—everyone’s so isolated. Maybe one of the keys to better mental health is rebuilding those connections, finding ways to support each other like we used to.

Rilla Blythe: I agree, Sarah. In a world that’s increasingly disconnected, we need to remember that we’re stronger together. Whether it’s through talking about our experiences, reaching out to someone who’s hurting, or simply being there for each other, we have to keep fighting the stigma and ensuring that no one has to face their trauma alone.

Scarlett O'Hara: Because at the end of the day, we all have our battles, and we all have our scars. But if we can stand together, if we can support each other through the darkest times, then maybe we can all find some measure of peace.

Resilience and Adaptability in Changing Times

Sarah Agnes Prine: If there’s one thing I’ve learned from life on the frontier, it’s that resilience isn’t just about surviving; it’s about adapting to whatever life throws your way. Every day brought something new—a drought, a raid, sickness—and we had to find a way to keep going. But today, I see a world that’s changing faster than ever, with new challenges that demand even more adaptability. How do you all see resilience playing out in today’s world?

Scarlett O'Hara: I’ve always believed that the only way to survive is to be as adaptable as possible. During the Civil War, I had to shift from being a pampered Southern belle to someone who could run a plantation and keep my family from starving. It wasn’t pretty, but it was necessary. In today’s world, I see that same need for resilience—whether it’s dealing with economic upheaval, social change, or personal loss. People are having to reinvent themselves all the time.

Frankie McGrath: I can relate to that, Scarlett. Coming back from Vietnam, I had to adapt to a world that didn’t understand or want to acknowledge what I’d been through. I had to find new ways to cope, to find meaning in a life that felt completely different from what I’d known before. I think people today are facing similar challenges—whether it’s dealing with the fallout from a pandemic, adapting to technological changes, or navigating the pressures of modern society.

Polly Oliver: Resilience, for me, was about doing what had to be done, no matter the cost. During the Civil War, there was no room for hesitation or doubt. You had to adapt or risk losing everything. Today, I see that same need for quick thinking and adaptability. Whether it’s responding to climate change, shifting job markets, or even the challenges of raising a family in an ever-changing world, people are constantly being tested. The difference now is that we have more resources, more ways to support each other, but the core need for resilience remains the same.

Rilla Blythe: I think about how we coped during the Great War—how we had to find new ways to keep hope alive, even as everything around us was falling apart. Resilience wasn’t just about surviving; it was about holding onto our humanity, our compassion. In today’s world, I see people grappling with similar issues—how to stay true to themselves in the face of overwhelming change, how to adapt without losing their sense of who they are.

Lily Owens: For me, resilience was about finding my voice, discovering who I was outside of the expectations placed on me. In today’s world, I see so many people, especially women, fighting for that same sense of identity, of purpose. The world is changing so quickly, and it can be hard to keep up. But I think resilience now is about more than just adapting—it’s about thriving, about finding ways to not just survive the changes, but to make them work in our favor.

Frankie McGrath: That’s an important point, Lily. Resilience today isn’t just about enduring hardship; it’s about learning from it, growing stronger, and using those experiences to build a better future. We’ve all had to adapt in ways we never imagined, but those adaptations have made us who we are. And I think that’s something that resonates deeply with people today, especially in a world that seems to be in constant flux.

Scarlett O'Hara: Absolutely. And it’s not just about individual resilience, but collective resilience. We’ve all seen how communities can come together in times of crisis—whether it’s during a war, a natural disaster, or even a global pandemic. That ability to adapt and support each other is what will carry us through the toughest times. It’s something we’ve seen throughout history, and it’s something that’s just as vital today.

Polly Oliver: And we must remember that resilience isn’t about being invulnerable. It’s about being strong enough to bend without breaking, to keep going even when the odds are against you. In today’s world, that might mean finding new ways to connect, to work, to live. It might mean rethinking what’s important and finding strength in unexpected places.

Rilla Blythe: And that’s the beauty of resilience, isn’t it? It’s about finding hope even in the darkest times, about knowing that no matter how much the world changes, we can change with it and still hold onto what matters most.

Sarah Agnes Prine: We’ve all faced our own battles, our own struggles to adapt. But in the end, it’s that resilience that’s carried us through. And I think that’s something people today can take to heart—no matter how much the world changes, that strength, that ability to adapt, will always be there within them.

Lily Owens: And as long as we have that, there’s nothing we can’t overcome. Resilience isn’t just about surviving; it’s about finding ways to thrive, no matter what life throws our way. And in a world that’s constantly changing, that’s more important than ever.

Women's Fight for Agency and Independence

Scarlett O'Hara: If there’s one thing I’ve always been certain of, it’s the need for a woman to claim her own agency. After the war, no one was going to take care of me, so I took care of myself. I did what needed to be done, regardless of what society thought. But even now, women are still fighting for that same independence. It’s as though we’re constantly having to prove our worth, isn’t it?

Frankie McGrath: You’re right, Scarlett. During my time in Vietnam, it wasn’t just about doing my job—it was about proving that I had the right to be there, to serve, to be recognized for my contributions. Coming home, I had to fight even harder to assert my own agency in a world that wanted to pretend women like me didn’t exist. Today, I see women still battling for that recognition, for the right to be seen and heard on their own terms.

Lily Owens: For me, finding my agency was about breaking free from the chains of my past and discovering who I was, independent of the men in my life. It was about claiming my own voice, my own identity. In today’s world, I see so many women—especially young women—struggling to do the same. They’re pushing against the boundaries that society still tries to impose, but the fight is far from over.

Polly Oliver: It’s a battle I know well. As a nurse during the Civil War, I was constantly up against the idea that women should be at home, not on the front lines. But I knew where I was needed, and I didn’t let anyone tell me otherwise. Today, women are still pushing against those outdated notions, whether it’s in the workplace, in politics, or even in their own families. The fight for agency is ongoing, but I think we’re making progress.

Rilla Blythe: It’s similar to what we faced during the Great War. Women were suddenly thrust into roles they’d never imagined, taking on jobs and responsibilities that had always been reserved for men. But when the war ended, we were expected to quietly return to our previous lives, as though nothing had changed. But everything had changed. We’d tasted that independence, and there was no going back. Today, I see women continuing to claim that space, refusing to be pushed back into the shadows.

Sarah Agnes Prine: Independence on the frontier was a necessity, not a luxury. We had to be resourceful, strong, and self-reliant, whether society approved or not. But even now, women are still fighting to be recognized for their strength and independence, especially in spaces where they’ve traditionally been excluded. The world might be different today, but the core of that struggle remains the same.

Frankie McGrath: What strikes me most is how much of our fight for agency is still wrapped up in society’s expectations of us. We’ve all had to push against the roles that were assigned to us, to carve out our own paths. And while today’s women have more opportunities than we did, they’re still facing a world that often tries to tell them who they should be and what they should want.

Scarlett O'Hara: And that’s why the fight for agency is so important. It’s about claiming the right to make our own choices, to define our own destinies. Whether it’s in business, in relationships, or in our personal lives, we have to keep pushing against those boundaries. No one’s going to hand us our independence—we have to take it.

Lily Owens: And it’s not just about claiming agency for ourselves, but also about supporting each other in that fight. Too often, women are pitted against one another, but I think one of the most powerful things we can do is to stand together, to lift each other up. That’s how real change happens—when we support each other in our pursuit of independence.

Polly Oliver: I agree, Lily. The more we support each other, the stronger we become. We’ve all had to fight our own battles, but when we come together, we can push for even greater change. Whether it’s fighting for equal pay, for reproductive rights, or for the right to be taken seriously in our chosen fields, we’re stronger together.

Rilla Blythe: And that’s the heart of it, isn’t it? Independence isn’t just about standing alone; it’s about standing up for what’s right, for ourselves and for each other. We’ve come so far, but there’s still so much work to be done. The fight for agency is ongoing, and it’s one we can’t afford to lose.

Sarah Agnes Prine: Exactly. It’s a fight we’ve all faced in our own ways, and it’s one that continues today. But as long as we keep pushing forward, as long as we keep demanding our right to be heard, to be seen, and to be valued, then we’re on the right path. The world may change, but our resolve remains the same.

Frankie McGrath: We’ve all had to fight for our agency, our independence. And that fight continues today, as women everywhere push against the boundaries that still exist. But together, we’re making progress, and that gives me hope for the future.

The Impact of Social Expectations on Women

Lily Owens: Social expectations have always played a huge role in shaping our lives. For me, it was the pressure to conform to a certain image of what a girl should be—quiet, obedient, dependent. Breaking free from that was a long, painful journey, but it was necessary for me to discover who I really was. Today, I see so many women struggling with similar expectations, whether it’s about how they should look, behave, or what they should aspire to. How have social expectations impacted each of you?

Scarlett O'Hara: Oh, the expectations placed on Southern women in my time were practically a cage. We were supposed to be charming, docile, and completely dependent on men. But I knew early on that those expectations weren’t going to get me what I wanted—or needed. So, I did what I had to do, even if it meant stepping outside those boundaries. Today, I think women are still breaking free from those kinds of expectations, but it’s a constant battle, isn’t it?

Frankie McGrath: Absolutely, Scarlett. In my case, the expectations were that women like me—nurses, especially those who served in Vietnam—would come home and quietly return to our pre-war lives, as if nothing had changed. But everything had changed. The pressure to conform to what society thought a woman should be, especially one who had seen and done what I had, was suffocating. It took a long time to realize that I didn’t have to meet those expectations, that I could define my own life, my own identity.

Rilla Blythe: I faced something similar during the Great War. The expectation was that women would step up during the crisis and then quietly step back once it was over, as if our contributions were only temporary. But that’s not how it works. Once you’ve tasted that independence, that sense of purpose, it’s impossible to just go back to the way things were. I think that’s true for a lot of women today—they’re being told they can have it all, but there are still so many conflicting expectations about what that should look like.

Polly Oliver: It’s true. During the Civil War, the expectation was that women would be the backbone of the home front, but that didn’t mean we were recognized for it. We were expected to sacrifice, to endure, but without any of the glory or recognition that men received. And today, I see women still fighting against those expectations—whether it’s in the workplace, at home, or in society at large. The pressure to be everything to everyone is exhausting, and it’s something that needs to change.

Sarah Agnes Prine: On the frontier, the expectations were a bit different—we had to be strong, capable, and self-reliant because there was no other choice. But even then, there were still limits placed on us by society, limits on how much we could do, how far we could go. Today, I see women being told they can do anything, but there are still these invisible barriers, these expectations that hold them back. It’s as if society wants us to succeed, but only within certain boundaries.

Lily Owens: And those boundaries can be so limiting, can’t they? Whether it’s about how we should look, how we should behave, or what roles we should play, these expectations are like invisible chains. But I also see more and more women pushing back, refusing to be defined by what society expects of them. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary if we’re going to live authentic lives.

Scarlett O'Hara: I think the key is realizing that we don’t have to meet those expectations—we can set our own. That’s what I did. I refused to let society dictate who I should be or what I should want. And I see women today doing the same thing, carving out their own paths, defining success on their own terms. It’s not about rejecting all expectations, but about choosing which ones matter, which ones align with who we truly are.

Frankie McGrath: That’s so true, Scarlett. It’s about finding the courage to say, ‘This is who I am, and I’m not going to apologize for it.’ It’s about recognizing that we don’t have to fit into the boxes that society creates for us. We can build our own identities, based on our own values and experiences. And I think that’s something women today are increasingly embracing, even though the pressure to conform is still there.

Rilla Blythe: And as more women do that, as more of us push against those boundaries, the expectations will start to change. We’re already seeing it—in how women are leading, in how they’re raising their voices, in how they’re refusing to be silenced. It’s a slow process, but it’s happening. And I think that’s something we can all take heart in.

Polly Oliver: It’s definitely a fight worth fighting. The more we challenge these expectations, the more we make room for ourselves and for future generations. It’s about creating a world where women can truly be themselves, without fear of judgment or limitation. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still so much more to be done.

Sarah Agnes Prine: And that’s why we have to keep pushing forward, to keep challenging those social expectations that try to hold us back. Because every time we do, we make it a little easier for the next woman, and the next, to live her life on her own terms.

Lily Owens: Exactly. It’s about creating space for all of us to be who we truly are, without the weight of societal expectations holding us down. And that’s a fight worth continuing, no matter how long it takes.

Short Bios:

Frankie McGrath is the protagonist of Kristin Hannah's novel The Women. She is a young nurse who serves in Vietnam, facing the horrors of war firsthand. Upon returning home, she struggles with PTSD and the societal expectations that women who served should simply return to their pre-war lives. Frankie's story is one of resilience, trauma, and the fight for recognition in a world that often overlooks the contributions of women in wartime.

Scarlett O'Hara is the central character in Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind. A Southern belle born into privilege, Scarlett’s world is turned upside down by the Civil War. Resourceful, determined, and often ruthless, Scarlett does whatever it takes to survive and rebuild her life after the war. Her character embodies the struggle for agency and independence in a society that expects women to be submissive and dependent on men.

Sarah Agnes Prine is the protagonist of These Is My Words by Nancy E. Turner. Set in the American frontier, Sarah's life is one of constant challenge and hardship. She is a strong, capable woman who learns to navigate the harsh realities of frontier life, including violence, loss, and survival. Sarah’s resilience and adaptability are central to her story, reflecting the indomitable spirit required to thrive in an unforgiving environment.

Lily Owens is the main character in The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Set in the 1960s American South, Lily is a young girl searching for answers about her mother and trying to escape her abusive father. Her journey leads her to a group of strong, independent women who help her find her own voice and identity. Lily’s story is one of self-discovery, breaking free from societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal truth.

Rilla Blythe is the daughter of Anne Shirley in L.M. Montgomery's Rilla of Ingleside. The novel is set during World War I, and Rilla’s character grows from a carefree girl into a responsible young woman who steps up to support her family and community during the war. She faces the emotional toll of the conflict, the loss of loved ones, and the expectation that women should return to their traditional roles once the war is over. Rilla’s story highlights the impact of war on women and the strength they find in difficult times.