The Group by Mary McCarthy is a distinctive social narrative that explores the lives of nine Vassar graduates from the class of 1933. The novel's irony is embedded in its title, as the story does not revolve around a single protagonist or narrative voice. Instead, each character represents a fragment of the author's own insights and experiences, with the collective voice echoing the influence of their college education.

The Dynamics of the Group

Within this ensemble, smaller clusters form based on original friendships, with Lakey, Helena, Dottie, Pokey, Libby, and Priss as the core group. To complete the housing requirements of the South Tower of Main Hall, Kay and Polly are invited to join. Meanwhile, Norine, though not a core member, offers a contrasting perspective to the group's elitism, adding complexity to the narrative's primary character, which is the group itself.

Supporting Characters and Their Roles

The storyline introduces two additional groups that play crucial roles: the families, particularly the mothers, who align sympathetically with the group's elitist tendencies, and the husbands, lovers, and acquaintances, mostly male, who often serve as antagonists. These relationships highlight the tensions and alliances that shape the experiences of the women, underscoring the novel's exploration of social dynamics.

Chapter Structure and Themes

The novel unfolds over fifteen chapters, each focusing on one woman's interaction with a particular situation, career, lover, or spouse. Through these character studies, McCarthy reveals each woman's unique physical, emotional, and intellectual traits, while underscoring the profound Vassar influence from educators like Hallie Flanagan. The narrative captures a transformative era, reflecting the shift from conservative Republican roots to the progressive policies of Roosevelt's New Deal, which Flanagan actively contributed to through the Federal Theatre Project.

The Vassar Bond and the External World

The Vassar bond remains a powerful force, uniting these women through life's pivotal events, yet also highlighting the chasm between their privileged upbringing and the harsh economic and political landscape of the Great Depression and pre-WWII. Despite these challenges, the women maintain their fundamental identities, with only subtle evolution from the novel's beginning to its end.

Musical Composition and Story Progression

McCarthy structures the novel like a musical composition, introducing key themes in the first chapter. Subsequent chapters develop variations on these themes, culminating in a concluding chapter that reunites the women for a significant event—a funeral. This mirrors the opening scene of a wedding, both significant events revolving around Kay, marking the narrative from 1933 to 1940.

Successes and Failures

Throughout the story, McCarthy paints a vivid picture of the women's privileged yet adventurous lives. Their attempts to shape a new world are symbolically realized through Kay's struggles and Polly's quiet achievements. Polly, working as a hospital laboratory technician, subtly navigates her life successfully, contrasting Kay's more tumultuous experiences.

Norine's Cynical Perspective

Norine's character, marked by cynicism, provides McCarthy with a voice to critique the successes and failures of her peers. Although a classmate, Norine stands apart as a non-member of the central group, offering an outsider's perspective that enriches the novel's exploration of ambition, identity, and societal expectations.