What are specific themes in The Women of Brewster Place?

Famale bonding is a common theme. Naylor captures the strength of ties among women. While these ties have always existed, the women's movement has brought them more recognition. According to Annie Gottlieb in Women Together, a review of The Women of Brewster Place, "... all our lives those relationships had been the backdrop, while the sexy, angry fireworks with men were the show... the bonds between women are the abiding ones. Most men are incalculable hunters who come and go." Throughout The Women of Brewster Place, the women support one another, counteracting the violence of their fathers, boyfriends, husbands, and sons. For example, while Mattie Michael loses her home as a result of her son's irresponsibility, the strength she gains enables her to care for the women whom she has known either since childhood and early adulthood or through her connection to Brewster Place. She provides shelter and a sense of freedom to her old friend, Etta Mae; also, she comes to the aid of Ciel when Ciel loses her desire to live. It is the bond among the women that supports the continuity of life on Brewster Place.