Mona Lisa Smile

Main Plot

Set in the 1950s, Mona Lisa Smile follows Katherine Watson, an art history professor who takes a teaching position at Wellesley College, a prestigious women's institution. Katherine is determined to inspire her students to think critically and challenge societal norms regarding women's roles. As she introduces modern art and progressive ideas, she encounters resistance from both the conservative faculty and some students who are more focused on preparing for marriage than pursuing their own ambitions. Throughout the academic year, Katherine encourages her students to explore their identities and aspirations beyond traditional expectations. The film explores themes of feminism, empowerment, and the clash between tradition and modernity, as Katherine's influence begins to resonate with her students, prompting them to reconsider their futures and the choices they face in a changing world.

Characters

• Julia Roberts plays Katherine Watson, an art history professor who challenges her students to question societal norms and pursue independent thinking at a conservative women's college.
• Kirsten Dunst plays Betty Warren, a traditional student who initially opposes progressive ideas but eventually questions societal expectations and embraces change.
• Joan Brandwyn, played by Julia Stiles, is a student who grapples with societal expectations, ultimately choosing marriage over a law career, highlighting the film's theme of women's roles.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Mona Lisa Smile, the main conflict surrounding the protagonist's efforts to inspire her students to pursue their own ambitions culminates in a poignant resolution. After a year of challenging the traditional roles expected of women in the 1950s, the teacher faces the reality that not all her students will embrace her progressive ideals. The climax occurs during graduation when the students reflect on their choices. While some, like Betty, initially resist the idea of a life beyond marriage, she ultimately recognizes the value of education and personal choice, deciding to pursue her own path rather than conforming to societal expectations. This moment signifies a shift in her character and highlights the impact the teacher has had on her students. As the film concludes, the teacher leaves the campus, symbolizing both a farewell and the hope that her influence will continue to resonate. The final scenes illustrate the broader theme of empowerment and the importance of self-determination, suggesting that while societal norms may persist, the seeds of change have been planted. The ending encapsulates the film's message about the struggle for women's autonomy and the pursuit of individual dreams against societal pressures.