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About the Women of a Promiscuous Nature by Donna Everhart category
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1
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26
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June 3, 2026
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The novel is about the mass incarceration of women suspected of promiscuous, immoral, or lewd behavior. Were you aware of this history? Are there other similar instances mass incarcerations in the US that you know of?
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30
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302
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June 3, 2026
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Overall, what did you think of Women of a Promiscuous Nature? (No spoilers in this thread, please!)
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22
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324
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June 3, 2026
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Many women were scared or intimidated into submitting themselves to these facilities. Women didn't receive due process through a court system. Why do you think women were the primary focus of immoral behaviors and not men?
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22
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151
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June 3, 2026
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Stella Temple lives in a highly dysfunctional home with a mother suffering from mental illness and an abusive father. In her case, do you think placement at the Colony was beneficial?
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19
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133
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June 3, 2026
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Baker tells others that she feels the Colony is better for the women than sending them to prison. Do you think this is true?
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15
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90
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June 3, 2026
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Other than the main trio (Baker, Ruth, and Stella) which character struck a chord with you and why?
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15
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146
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June 3, 2026
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Men, whether in the service or not, if found carrying an infection, underwent treatments while going on with their lives. Considering the era, do you find this disparity "normal"? Why?
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14
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114
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June 3, 2026
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In the book, the only parent who attempts to visit the Colony is Ruth’s mother. Why do you suppose most parents accepted what was happening to their daughters?
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13
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119
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June 3, 2026
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Ruth Foster lives independently and doesn't understand why this is a problem. Why do you believe it was?
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12
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97
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June 3, 2026
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Why do you think Baker is so hostile toward Ruth, who she acknowledges is “attractive without knowing it, strong-willed, intelligent, and knows her own mind”?
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12
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89
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June 3, 2026
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Dorothy Baker is passionate about what she sees as her mission. Her beliefs are typical of the day. Considering the time period, do you believe Baker was cruel? What similarities do you recognize within these institutions as compared to an actual prison?
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11
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87
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June 3, 2026
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For what audience would you recommend Women of a Promiscusious Nature? Are there other novels or authors you’ve read that are similar in style or content?
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11
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103
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June 3, 2026
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Stella's intelligence and eagerness to please win Baker over. What did you think of their relationship? Do you think it was helpful to Stella, or do you wish her outcome were different?
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11
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83
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June 3, 2026
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What future do you see for Baker, Ruth, and Stella?
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9
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90
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June 3, 2026
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Some of the same laws are still in effect today. Can you think of a recent time period when the law/s allowed the government control over individuals?
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9
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70
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June 3, 2026
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Stella is ostracized even before she becomes a snitch. Why do you believe the others don’t like her?
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8
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67
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June 3, 2026
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With the exception of Stella and Ruth, Baker disparages the girls in her care, thinking of them as “low-class degenerates” and “promiscuous, diseased, and immoral.” Why do you feel she is unable to find value in more of her charges?
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6
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40
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June 3, 2026
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Baker's personal and professional life is filled with triumphs and failures. What did you admire most about her? What did you dislike most? Do you think she got away with too much?
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6
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43
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June 3, 2026
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Have you read any of the author’s other novels? If so, how does Women of a Promiscuous Nature compare?
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5
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46
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June 3, 2026
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Posters and graphics from the era
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4
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40
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June 3, 2026
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Why do you think Baker refuses to believe Stella has made progress with Frances? Does Baker deliberately uses the girl in her attempt to oust Mrs. Maynard? Why do you suppose Stella is willing to align herself with Baker again after such treatment?
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4
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33
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June 3, 2026
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