Bossypants

Explain how women face impossible standards in motherhood and how the inability to meet these standards affects mothers’ feelings about themselves.

Who are Fey’s biggest comedic influences as described in Bossypants? How do their approaches to comedy impact her own approach, not only in comedy but also in management?

What are some examples of mistakes Fey has made, and what has she learned from these mistakes? How does she demonstrate that she is always learning?

One of Fey’s first experiences with sexism in show business occurs at The Second City, when the producers object to casting more women out of fear that the women won’t be able to contribute as many ideas. What are some other examples of sexism Fey encounters? How are women subjected to a double standard that men are not?

Describe Fey’s relationship with Amy Poehler and the reason, as related in Bossypants, Fey has so much respect for her.

Trace how Fey rises in show business. What obstacles does she face, and how does she overcome them? What lessons does she learn from these obstacles?

In what ways does Fey, in looking back on her life, demonstrate humility? Where does she demonstrate confidence? How have humility and confidence affected her career and her parenting?

What are some of the questions Fey asks in the final chapter, “What Should I Do With My Last Five Minutes”? Which ones, if any, does she answer? What is the effect of her leaving her questions unanswered? In the "last five minutes" of the book, Fey discusses how “[her] last five minutes of being famous are timing out to be simultaneous with [her] last five minutes of having a baby” (242). How does this sentiment encapsulate the main themes of the book?