The Transformation of Women's roles in families from 19th Century to Now

Characters
 
Louise Sawyer--Susan Sarandon

 
Thelma and Louise are best friends living in a small town in Arkansas. Both seem to be living somewhat depressing working class lives. Thelma is an unloved housewife of a sexist and obnoxious husband, while Louise is a struggling waitress whose boyfriend seems unready to finally commit to a long-term relationship with her.
One day, in order to get away from their unhappy lives, they decide to leave town for a weekend vacation together. While on the road, they stop in another small town in order to get some drinks at a local bar. Unfortunately, Thelma decides to dance with a man who later tries to rape her. Ultimately, Louise ends up shooting this man. The two women suddenly find themselves in a lot of trouble, which make them unable to enjoy the vacation they had intended to have.
   

 
 
This is a film about what it can mean to be a woman in the United States, and in particular, a working class woman with few options in life. It is also about women who suddenly realize that they may have more potential and freedom that they ever thought was possible, particularly freedom from the male dominated society that has so badly mistreated them over the years.
At the beginning of the movie, when the two heroines appear on the stage, almost most of the scenes try to portray the social status of women at that time—Louise is a single woman who works as a waitress in a small restaurant, while Thelma is an ordinary housewife who got married at an early age. All the scenes follow the stereotype of the society: an obedient housewife, a chauvinistic husband, the husband supports the economy of the family, etc. Moreover, these scenes seem to be the “normal and right behavior” of women in daily life.