These Heathens by Mia McKenzie Summary, Characters and Themes
These Heathens by Mia McKenzie is a novel that revolves around Doris Steele, a young woman from rural Georgia who is faced with an unexpected pregnancy and the challenging decisions that come with it. Set in the 1960s, Doris’s story unfolds as she navigates her personal and societal conflicts, as well as her search for identity and independence.
The book explores themes such as family, friendship, self-discovery, activism, and the role of women in a rapidly changing world. Through Doris’s journey, the novel reveals how her interactions with others, especially strong female figures, shape her understanding of her own autonomy and place in society.
Summary
Doris Steele, the protagonist of These Heathens, is a young woman living in the small town of Millen, Georgia. Her life has been a series of responsibilities thrust upon her from an early age, mainly due to her mother’s illness.
At just 15 years old, Doris was forced to leave school to take care of her family, becoming the primary caretaker for her ailing mother, father, and younger brothers. Despite the weight of her burdens, Doris found peace in her routines and in her faith, trusting that God would give her the strength to endure.
Her world shifts when her mother remarks on a change she sees in Doris, though Doris herself doesn’t notice anything different. Eventually, Doris realizes her period is late and she is pregnant.
With fear and guilt weighing heavily on her, she prays for guidance but ultimately decides she cannot keep the child. Her faith tells her abortion is a sin, but the uncertainty of her future and the lack of support from her family make her feel trapped.
She sets her mind to ending the pregnancy, though the fear of divine punishment lingers.
Doris has not been to school in two years, but she visits her old teacher, Mrs. Lucas, to seek help.
Despite her shame, Doris confides in Mrs. Lucas, who listens with compassion and agrees to help her.
Mrs. Lucas contacts a wealthy friend, Mrs. Sylvia Broussard, who agrees to fund Doris’s abortion. Mrs. Broussard, who lives in an affluent area of Atlanta, provides Doris with a chance to travel to the city for the procedure. Before leaving, Doris shares the secret with her best friend, Lena, asking her to keep it between them.
As Doris makes the journey to Atlanta, she is exposed to a world far different from her own. Mrs. Broussard’s home is lavish and filled with luxury, making Doris feel out of place. Mrs.
Broussard’s offhand comments about Doris’s pregnancy and appearance make Doris uneasy, but the tension escalates when she meets Mrs. Broussard’s indifferent husband, Alonzo.
That evening, Doris is introduced to the world of wealth and status, a stark contrast to the poverty-stricken life she knows in Millen.
The next day, Doris is scheduled for the abortion, but her anxiety grows. She is torn between the guilt she feels for considering abortion and the overwhelming sense that she cannot keep the baby.
The support of Mrs. Lucas is reassuring, but Doris still feels conflicted.
Her beliefs and her circumstances are at odds, and she wonders if there is a way to reconcile the two.
Doris’s stay in Atlanta introduces her to more complex relationships. Mrs. Broussard and Mrs. Lucas have a long history of friendship, though there are undercurrents of tension and unspoken emotions between them.
Doris’s curiosity grows as she witnesses the intimacy between them and their interactions with others. At a party, Doris meets Julia Avery, a famous singer, and is starstruck by her presence.
The women’s conversations reveal deeper dynamics, particularly the ways in which Julia and Mrs. Lucas have shaped each other’s lives.
Doris also encounters Dexter Porter, an activist involved with the civil rights movement, who becomes another source of intrigue and inspiration.
As Doris spends more time with Dexter, she learns about the nonviolent activism of the civil rights movement. Doris is initially skeptical but becomes more engaged as she witnesses the tensions and challenges activists face in their quest for justice.
Dexter invites Doris to attend a workshop, and although she is hesitant, Doris agrees, driven by a growing curiosity about the movement. However, Doris’s internal conflict remains as she prepares for her abortion and struggles to find clarity in her own life choices.
When Doris arrives for the procedure, things don’t go as planned. The doctor cancels, and Doris is left in limbo.
Mrs. Broussard tries to reassure her, but Doris is frustrated by the uncertainty of the situation.
During this time, she becomes more aware of the complicated relationships around her, especially between Mrs. Lucas and Mrs. Broussard. Their unresolved tensions, combined with the challenges Doris faces, force her to reflect on her identity and future.
As the situation unfolds, Doris grows more uncomfortable with the lack of transparency and honesty from the adults around her. Her emotional turmoil increases when Mrs. Broussard’s lies about the doctor’s availability are exposed. In a quiet moment, Doris reflects on the choices she has made so far and wonders if there’s more for her in the world beyond Millen.
Throughout the remainder of her stay, Doris continues to explore her own desires and dreams. She attends a party where she feels out of place but is offered an opportunity to work with the Licorice Theater Company.
Though uncertain about her future, Doris sees this as a glimmer of hope and a chance for a different life. She also reflects on her growing understanding of love and self-discovery, influenced by her interactions with people like Julia, who challenges Doris to think about her life on her own terms.
The emotional conflict between Doris and Mrs. Lucas comes to a head as Doris prepares to leave Atlanta.
She faces a decision about her future and the life she wants to build. Mrs. Lucas, who has been both supportive and critical of Doris’s decisions, apologizes for not being more honest about her own struggles. Doris also learns more about Mrs.
Lucas’s past, gaining insight into the complexities of her own relationships.
In the end, Doris decides to take control of her future. She faces the reality of her pregnancy and makes the difficult decision to go ahead with the abortion.
The experience is painful, but it marks a turning point in Doris’s life. She begins to see herself not as a passive participant in other people’s decisions but as someone capable of making choices for herself.
As Doris returns to Millen, she reflects on the changes she has gone through during her time in Atlanta. Though uncertain about what the future holds, she feels a sense of liberation and possibility.
Doris is no longer confined by the expectations placed on her by her family or society. She has learned that her autonomy is her right, and that the choices she makes are the first steps in building a life that belongs to her.
The story ends with Doris stepping into a new chapter, ready to face whatever challenges come her way.
Characters
Doris Steele
Doris Steele is the protagonist of These Heathens and her character undergoes significant growth throughout the novel. At the start of the story, Doris is a young woman burdened by the responsibility of caring for her sick mother and supporting her family, which forces her to abandon her education.
Despite the weight of her life circumstances, Doris is not resentful. She finds comfort in the stability of her routine and her faith.
However, when Doris discovers she is pregnant, she faces a crisis of faith and identity, torn between the religious values she was raised with and the desire to make a decision that aligns with her own personal well-being.
Doris’s journey to Atlanta, seeking an abortion, is a pivotal moment in her life. Her exposure to the contrasting lifestyles of the wealthy and the powerful, particularly through figures like Mrs. Broussard and Julia Avery, challenges her view of the world and her own possibilities. The complex relationships between the women in her life further deepen her understanding of her identity and choices.
Throughout the story, Doris is constantly navigating her emotions, fears, and guilt, questioning both her past and her future. Ultimately, Doris’s transformation is one of self-discovery, as she learns to take control of her life and make decisions that reflect her autonomy, even if those decisions are difficult or socially taboo.
Mrs. Lucas
Mrs. Lucas serves as a motherly figure in Doris’s life.
Although she has her own secrets and complexities, she is fundamentally a compassionate and supportive character, always ready to offer help to Doris when needed. She represents a more open-minded approach to life, in stark contrast to the rigid social and religious expectations that Doris has grown up with.
Mrs. Lucas encourages Doris to question her beliefs and make choices for herself, which becomes especially evident during their time in Atlanta.
However, Mrs. Lucas is not without her own contradictions.
Her past relationship with Mrs. Broussard, which Doris slowly uncovers, reveals that she too has struggled with her own desires and identity.
This duality in Mrs. Lucas’s character creates a tension for Doris, as she begins to see the complexity in the people she admires and loves.
Mrs. Lucas’s support throughout Doris’s journey is invaluable, as she serves as a constant reminder that it is possible to live a life of self-determination and authenticity.
Mrs. Sylvia Broussard
Mrs. Sylvia Broussard is another key character who plays an important role in Doris’s development.
A wealthy and privileged woman from Atlanta, Mrs. Broussard represents a stark contrast to Doris’s upbringing in rural Georgia.
She lives in luxury and has connections to influential people, yet her own life is not without its complexities. Her support of Doris during her pregnancy and her willingness to arrange for Doris’s abortion shows her caring nature, though her wealth and status sometimes distance her from Doris’s struggles.
Mrs. Broussard’s relationship with Mrs. Lucas is one of the more mysterious aspects of the novel, adding layers to her character. The tension between Mrs. Broussard and Doris’s evolving feelings toward her highlight the discrepancies between social class and personal values. Despite her apparent coldness at times, Mrs. Broussard plays a significant role in Doris’s journey toward self-awareness.
Julia Avery
Julia Avery is a famous singer who Doris meets during her stay in Atlanta. Julia’s celebrity status is initially overwhelming to Doris, who admires her both for her talent and her confidence.
Julia is not only a figure of success but also a symbol of independence and freedom—qualities that Doris deeply longs for. Julia’s candid conversations with Doris about love, identity, and freedom provide Doris with new perspectives on her life and future.
Through their interaction, Doris begins to understand that she can create her own path, free from societal expectations. Julia’s influence encourages Doris to embrace her desires and confront the difficult choices she must make.
Her role in the novel is crucial as a catalyst for Doris’s personal growth, allowing Doris to realize that there is more to life than the roles prescribed to her by her family and society.
Dexter Porter
Dexter Porter is a pivotal character who introduces Doris to the civil rights movement and the activism that defined much of the social landscape during the time. Dexter is a part of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and participates in the sit-ins and protests that are central to the civil rights struggle.
He represents the new wave of social consciousness that challenges Doris’s more traditional worldview. Dexter’s dedication to nonviolent protest is at odds with Doris’s initial skepticism about activism, but his passion and conviction gradually draw her in.
As Doris spends more time with Dexter, she starts to question her own place in the world and her role in the larger social context. Dexter’s influence broadens Doris’s horizons, forcing her to confront not just her personal issues but the broader societal forces that shape her life.
Mrs. Pearl
Mrs. Pearl, who works in the kitchen at Mrs. Broussard’s house, is a minor but insightful character. Her interactions with Doris reveal the class and cultural divides that exist even within the circles of the wealthy.
Pearl’s stories about her son, Lil’ Terrence, and his aspirations despite his lack of formal education, make Doris reflect on the limitations imposed by society and religion. Pearl represents the aspirations of ordinary people who struggle to rise above their circumstances, adding another layer of complexity to Doris’s understanding of what it means to pursue a better life.
Her quiet wisdom serves as a reminder that opportunities for change are not always about grand gestures but can often come from simple acts of defiance against societal expectations.
Erik
Erik is a brief but significant character in Doris’s life, especially in the context of her exploration of relationships and her emotional conflicts. He represents the possibilities of love and connection outside the rigid constraints of Doris’s upbringing.
Their brief kiss and subsequent interactions add a layer of complexity to Doris’s understanding of herself and her desires. Erik introduces Doris to a different kind of intimacy and challenges her to explore her feelings outside the context of societal norms, helping Doris question her own emotions and identity.
His role is crucial in Doris’s emotional development, even if it is fleeting.
Mr. Locke
Mr. Locke is a theater company member who Doris meets at a party in Atlanta.
He represents an opportunity for Doris to explore a new life and career, far removed from the rural life she knows. His willingness to help Doris find a job in the theater world opens up possibilities for her future, suggesting that she has the potential to forge her own path.
Though his role is secondary in the novel, Mr. Locke symbolizes the larger world of creative freedom and self-expression that Doris has yet to fully embrace.
Themes
Autonomy and Self-Determination
Throughout These Heathens, Doris grapples with the concept of autonomy, particularly when it comes to her body, choices, and future. From the moment she finds herself pregnant, Doris is faced with difficult decisions that force her to examine her personal beliefs and societal expectations.
The decision to seek an abortion, though fraught with guilt and uncertainty, is a powerful assertion of her right to determine her own fate. Her journey is marked by her struggle to reconcile her internalized values with the realities of her situation, as well as the influence of others, such as Mrs. Lucas and Mrs. Broussard, who provide varying degrees of support.
The choice to terminate her pregnancy becomes more than just a medical procedure; it represents Doris’s growing recognition that she has the power to shape her own life. Her interactions with people like Julia Avery and the time spent in Atlanta also serve as key moments in her journey toward self-discovery, as she learns to embrace her own desires and possibilities, free from the constraints imposed by her family and society.
In the end, the theme of autonomy is not just about physical control over her body but also about Doris learning to make choices for herself, carving out a path that is uniquely hers, regardless of the expectations or pressures of the world around her.
Identity and Transformation
As Doris navigates the complexities of her life, the theme of identity becomes central to her development. She is initially confined by the roles imposed upon her by her family, her community, and her faith.
However, her experiences in Atlanta—especially the exposure to new people, lifestyles, and ideas—serve as a catalyst for her transformation. Doris’s internal conflict reflects her growing understanding of who she is and who she wants to become.
In her small town, Doris is limited by the expectations of her family and the socio-economic challenges that define her world. Yet, in Atlanta, she encounters women who have charted their own paths, such as Mrs.
Lucas and Julia Avery, who challenge Doris to reconsider what is possible for someone like her. This exposure to different perspectives and lifestyles ignites a desire within Doris to explore her own potential beyond the confines of her upbringing.
As she steps into new spaces, both physically and emotionally, Doris begins to experience a shift in her sense of self. From her interaction with the theater company to her eventual decision about the abortion, Doris’s sense of identity evolves as she starts to embrace the complexities of her emotions, desires, and dreams.
The journey toward self-actualization is not straightforward, and Doris must navigate both external pressures and internal doubts. However, the theme of identity is ultimately about Doris’s realization that she is capable of more than she once believed, and that she has the power to define herself.
Gender, Sexuality, and Social Expectations
The theme of gender and sexuality is explored in These Heathens through Doris’s evolving understanding of womanhood, relationships, and societal expectations. Doris’s experiences in Atlanta expose her to a world where women can freely express themselves and challenge traditional gender roles.
Through her interactions with women like Mrs. Lucas and Julia Avery, Doris becomes acutely aware of the different ways in which women navigate their desires and relationships.
She witnesses the complexities of female friendships, which at times blur the lines between intimacy and love, and begins to question her own understanding of relationships, love, and sexuality. The party in Atlanta, where Doris sees women dancing together and engaging in open expressions of affection, is a pivotal moment in this exploration.
Doris starts to recognize the fluidity of relationships and the limitations of her own understanding of what is acceptable or possible for a woman. The conversations she has with characters like Julia, who challenges Doris’s beliefs about love and commitment, further deepen this exploration of gender and sexuality.
Additionally, Doris’s contemplation of the abortion and her internal struggle reflect the social and religious expectations placed on women’s bodies and reproductive choices. The theme of gender and sexuality in the novel underscores the ways in which Doris must navigate societal pressures while also grappling with her own desires, ultimately realizing that her sexuality and her choices should not be dictated by societal norms but by her own understanding of herself and what she wants from life.
Class and Social Inequality
Another critical theme in These Heathens is the exploration of class and social inequality. Doris’s life in Millen, Georgia, is marked by poverty, family obligations, and limited opportunities.
This stark contrast to the wealth and privilege she encounters in Atlanta forces Doris to confront the harsh realities of class disparity. Her time with Mrs. Broussard in her luxurious home, surrounded by affluence and social status, leaves Doris feeling out of place and uncomfortable. The differences between her rural, working-class upbringing and the affluent world of Atlanta’s elite highlight the divides in society based on economic status.
As Doris navigates this new environment, she becomes increasingly aware of the ways in which class shapes people’s lives and opportunities. This awareness is underscored by her growing discomfort in Mrs. Broussard’s world, where Doris is constantly reminded of her own perceived inadequacies. Yet, at the same time, her exposure to different ways of living challenges Doris to question the limitations of her own life in Millen.
She begins to understand that class and wealth do not necessarily equate to happiness or fulfillment. This realization encourages Doris to think critically about her future and the possibilities beyond the constraints of her social class.
Ultimately, the theme of class and social inequality serves to underscore Doris’s evolving sense of self-worth and her desire to break free from the limitations imposed by her upbringing.
Faith and Guilt
Doris’s journey is also heavily influenced by her internal struggle with faith, guilt, and the morality of her decisions. Raised in a religious environment, Doris is taught to adhere to the teachings of the Bible and to view actions like abortion as sinful.
Her decision to terminate her pregnancy becomes a source of deep internal conflict, as she grapples with the fear of divine punishment and the guilt associated with her choice. Throughout the novel, Doris frequently turns to prayer for guidance, seeking solace in her faith even as she questions its teachings.
Her guilt is compounded by the contrast between her religious upbringing and the secular world she encounters in Atlanta, where people like Mrs. Lucas and Julia Avery have different perspectives on life, morality, and choice.
As Doris navigates her feelings of guilt, she is forced to confront the complexities of her faith and what it means to make choices that align with her own needs rather than the expectations of her religious community. By the end of the novel, Doris begins to reconcile her faith with her autonomy, realizing that her spiritual beliefs can coexist with her right to make decisions about her body and future.
This theme of faith and guilt highlights the tension between personal agency and religious doctrine, and Doris’s journey represents a broader struggle many individuals face when reconciling their beliefs with the realities of their lives.