In "Top Girls," Marlene holds a celebratory gathering at a London restaurant to mark her recent promotion at the Top Girls Employment Agency. She invites a unique array of female figures from history, literature, and mythology to share their narratives, resulting in a lively tapestry of overlapping stories. Through their tales, these women explore themes of ambition, sacrifice, and societal expectations that resonate across time.

A Historical Tapestry

Among the first to arrive are Isabella Bird and Lady Nijo, each bringing her own tale of challenges and resilience. Isabella Bird recounts her struggles with illness, which initially limited her life options as the daughter of a clergyman. The turning point in her life came with a proposal from Jim Nugent, a charismatic yet unsuitable mountain man, and later, the untimely death of her sister Hennie. Out of a sense of duty, Bird marries Hennie's doctor, caring for him during his final days before resuming her travels despite her recurring nervous illness.

Lady Nijo's Journey

Lady Nijo shares her experiences as a courtesan to the emperor, reveling in the luxury and status it brought her. However, her fortunes changed when she took lovers and consequently lost her daughter. After falling from grace, Nijo adopted the life of a Buddhist nun, wandering the countryside in search of purpose and peace.

Pope Joan's Rise and Fall

Pope Joan, arriving next, narrates how she defied societal norms by disguising herself as a boy to pursue theological studies alongside her male companion and lover. Her intelligence and ambition propelled her to the papacy. However, her clandestine pregnancy led to her public downfall and death, vividly illustrating the peril of a woman in a man’s world.

A Notorious Party

As the evening progresses and the wine flows, the women become increasingly jovial, particularly at the mention of the pierced chair, a testament to Joan's legacy. The mood shifts with the arrival of Patient Griselda, whose story of unwavering obedience to her husband captivates the group. Marlene describes Griselda’s marriage as a fairy tale without the initial magic, reminding the guests of the sacrifices she made for her family.

Griselda's Sacrifices

Griselda recounts her life of obedience, from surrendering her daughter to what she thought was certain death to relinquishing her son six years later. Her husband’s dubious test of loyalty culminated in her orchestrating his supposed new marriage, only to discover her children were alive and part of the ruse. Despite the emotional turmoil, Griselda forgives her husband, echoing themes of endurance and reconciliation.

Emotional Reactions

The tales elicit strong emotions among the guests. Lady Nijo reflects on the defiance of concubines during a fertility rite, while Pope Joan quotes Lucretius on the distant observation of others’ struggles. Dull Gret, typically silent, recounts her descent into hell and confrontation with devils, driven by the pain of her children’s loss. The evening concludes with a flurry of emotions: Nijo weeps, Joan becomes ill, and Isabella dreams of finding enduring joy.

The Dilemma of Modern Choices

Back at work on Monday, Marlene meets with a young woman seeking career advancement. She advises her on the complexities of balancing professional ambitions with family life, a choice Marlene made herself. The contrast between Marlene's career-focused life and her familial ties unfolds further when Angie, her niece, pays her an unexpected visit.

Family Dynamics

In a flashback to the previous Sunday, tensions simmer in Joyce's backyard. Angie, performing a power play with Kit, reflects her inner turmoil. She later shocks her mother by putting on a too-small dress, symbolically expressing a desire to "kill" her maternal constraints.

Office Politics and Personal...