Necessary Lies

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of forced sterilization, suicide, and sexual trauma.

Jane is a kind, devoted character who is somewhat naïve as the novel opens. She is excited about her upcoming marriage but not flighty or unrealistic—instead, she seeks precautions against becoming immediately pregnant, as she wishes to engage in a career before becoming a mother. In this way, Jane is unconventional for a woman of her era. Though she is unapologetic for her non-traditional approach to marriage and motherhood, she recognizes that others will disapprove of her lack of adherence to prescribed gender roles. Jane desires to help others and to live a meaningful life, which is why she turns to social work. Jane initially lacks exposure to people of different economic and social classes than her own. Despite her lack of experience as a social worker, she acclimates to the job quickly because of her intelligence, kind nature, and enjoyment of people. Her clients like and trust her because of her friendliness and warmth, and she fully devotes herself to doing all she can to improve their lives. In several instances—such as when she procures a fan for the Harts—she goes out of her way to provide aid.