Alison Towell: Gender Expectations in Bois Sauvage

Esch is the only girl in a male dominated world. She is thought of as one of the boys  by her father so some of her feminine needs are not met correctly. She even shares clothing with the men in her family. Because of the loss of her mother and grandmother the only role of women is in her memories.  The lack of female presence makes Esch feel isolated and because of these factors she does not fit into mold of stereotypical women in Bois Sauvage. In the novel the best examples of the ideal women are her mother, her grandmother, and Mudda Ma'am. These women were expected to cook, clean, and take care of the children. Another important female role in Esch’s life is China.  Esch is having difficulty dealing with her pregnancy and is looking for ways to fill the mother role. She looks to her memories and also the only mother in her life, China the family dog. China is a new mother who is having difficulties filling the role for her puppies because of her background as a fighter. She even mutilates one of her own puppies. Esch wonders, “Is this what motherhood is?”

            The men in Bois Savuage are expected to be providers, strong, athletic, and resourceful.  They do what they have to do to provide for their loved ones. Some examples are Skeetah getting a job to provide expensive food for China and their father preparing the house for Katrina.  They are also expected to be physically and emotionally strong. Even Junior her youngest brother is described as strong. Even though Esch does not follow traditional gender roles, Bois Savauge has very different expectations for men and women.