Gabi, a Girl in Pieces

Shame connects many themes in the novel. Women are ashamed of pregnancy and sex in this story. Once a female character has sex, she is looked upon as used goods that “could not be returned to the manufacturer” (254). Gabi’s mother wonders how Cindy’s mom will show her face in public again, despite sharing the experience of being an unmarried mother. The shame of pregnancy and sex goes beyond the individual participants and extends to their families as well. Cindy’s pregnancy is the subject of rumors when the school year begins, but she would rather face the shame of teen pregnancy than the shame of rape. It takes Cindy until after her son is born to tell her closest friends the circumstances of her pregnancy, demonstrating the extent of the shame she’s carried for the duration of the story.

Pregnancy is shamed as a product of sex. Gabi’s mother instills shame around sex in hopes that Gabi will avoid shame for herself and her family. Martin’s father, however, offers a contrast to the perspective that people should be ashamed of sex, focusing instead on the moral responsibility that it be consensual and respectful (255).