The Second Sex

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1949

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Study Guide

Before You Read Beta

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Volume I, Introduction

Volume I, Part 1: “Destiny”

Volume I, Part 2: “History”

Volume I, Part 3: “Myths”

Volume II, Introduction

Volume II, Part 1: “Formative Years”

Volume II, Part 2: “Situation”

Volume II, Part 3: “Justifications”

Volume II, Part 4: “Toward Liberation”

Conclusion

Key Figures

Themes

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools Beta

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

What is the significance of the title The Second Sex? What does the title suggest about Simone de Beauvoir’s overall thesis?

In your own words, define the Other. Who is usually the Other? How does a group become an Other?

In the Introduction, Simone de Beauvoir discusses “existentialist morality” (16). Define “existentialist morality” in your own words based on Beauvoir’s description. How does this morality fit with Beauvoir’s description of women’s roles and female liberation?