Many of the characters in Freedom would describe Patty as a strong, even indomitable person. She possesses these attributes in abundance on the basketball court, but she knows that she is neither as strong nor as secure as people think. How does this tension exacerbate her sense of hopelessness?

The characters in the story go to great lengths to make themselves unhappy, even though they are often aware that their decisions are unwise.&nbsp;What drives Patty, Joey, and Richard to continue making the mistakes that complicate their lives and strain their relationships?

Franzen makes an authorial choice to deny Jessica her own chapter. What purpose does it serve for the reader to observe Jessica primarily through the <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/perspective/">perspective</a> of other people?

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Explore Freedom reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About Freedom

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Freedom Summary and Study Guide

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Part 1 Freedom Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Mistakes Were Made: Autobiography of Patty Berglund by Patty Berglund (Composed at Her Therapist’s Suggestion)”

Part 2 Freedom Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “2004”

Part 3, Chapters 1-3

Freedom Part 3, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 4-6

Freedom Part 3, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapter 4

Freedom Part 2, Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: Canterbridge Estates Lake

Freedom Part 4: Canterbridge Estates Lake Summary & Analysis

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