There are several characters in Bombshells whose voices take on a disembodied feel, but the two characters who immediately come to mind are Meryl and Theresa. As Meryl struggles with the pressures of motherhood it causes her to become disconnected with her own identity, as she transitions from a ‘live wire’ to being ‘swallowed up by sadness’. This conflict between needs of the children and family with her own desires, is reflected in her triplicate use of words and anaphoric sentences, as well as her hyperbolic analysis of her own actions, revealing a disembodied feel as she becomes increasingly detached from her identity, family and life. Likewise, Theresa takes on a disembodied voice as she takes on the persona/role of the bride. At the beginning of her monologue, she exclaims that "I am so f*cking happy! I'm so happy I could scream." in first person, representative of her actual identity and emotions. However, she then goes on to describe herself from the third perspective, 'Regard as the bride slips on the slip...', in a disembodied tone, revealing the differing identities of her "Theresa" and her "the bride". The changes in first to third person, demonstrates how she is able to detach herself from her own identity as she visualises herself as a bride and wife, creating a disembodied feel. 

 

To some extent all the characters in Bombshells are ‘wandering’ and searching for something in their lives. Meryl is searching for validation from other mothers and society, as she conforms to a role of domesticity. Tiggy is searching for reasons as to why Harry left her, male attention and validation, as well as a forum where she is able to voice her individual thoughts and opinions. Mary is searching for validation, gratification, and adoration from others, as a means of oppressing her own insecurities. Theresa is searching for someone to marry and validation from society, as she becomes increasingly conscious of the ticking clock and social expectations of women. Winsome is searching for liberation and self-fulfilment, after the death of her husband. Zoe is searching for acceptance, ways to release her emotions and come to terms with her life. 

 

Zoe’s monologue concludes Bombshells, wrapping up the collection of stories. Her monologue embodies the struggles of all the women in the previous monologues, sharing themes like validation, family tension, lost husbands, insecurity, acceptance and belonging. However, it also provides an optimistic conclusion, as we see an older woman with a strong sense of self, release heavy emotions, come to terms with her life and cope with her struggles, giving the audience inspiration that they too can overcome adversity in their lives.