Skeeta and Manny have been conflicting characters
throughout most of the novel, even if they were not aware of it. The conflict
between the two stemmed from the different ways that each of the boys embodied
their masculinity. Skeeta embodies a “classic” type of masculinity where “being
a man” is defined as caring for women, being a worthy friend, and being a
supportive father. We see that Skeeta possesses these traits when he constantly
protects Esch and China, when he remains loyal to his friends, and the when he
cares for China’s puppies like they were his own children. However, in recent
decades, we have seen a type of masculinity, that vastly differs from what was
previously thought of as masculinity, grow. Many men now show their “manhood”
by being disrespectful to women, not being loyal in relationships or
friendships, and abandoning fatherhood. We see Manny embody this type of
masculinity. Manny sleeps with Esch with no respect for her feelings or health
(when she becomes pregnant), he crosses Skeeta and Randall by sleeping with
Esch, and he does not care to be a respectable father to his own child that is
soon to come. It is quite unfortunate that this is the way in which many “men”
in our modern society choose to act. Ward shows the light that comes from the
classic form of masculinity and the darkness that comes from the more modern
form of masculinity quite well.
The theme of gender in Salvage the Bones does seem to create a conflicting battle for characters in the novel. Though Skeetah might typify as a reputable young man, while Manny embodies the traits of an ill-behaved boy, both Skeetah and Manny show typical behaviors of males through their attitude, pride, and negligence towards things which don’t spark their personal concern. Ward also characterizes men as builders of structures which women will fill. What is surprisingly unique, however, is the female characters distinction from stereotypical female characteristics. The narrator and main character, Esch Batiste, is actually raised to be as strong as her brothers. Engulfed by a world of males, Esch hangs with the males, and takes pain just like a male does. Although Esch is surrounded by male counterparts the entire novel she still feels the emotional scarring that a female faces. Furthermore, Esch is battling emotions bigger than what an average teen girl would. She differentiates from a normal teenage girl by the complex emotions and feelings she shares about her life and surroundings, especially Manny. Esch is forced into motherhood, as well as, womanhood, making her gender role completely different than the norm. The female pitbull, China, is also seen as a character who defies the standards of a female role by portraying aggression, even through motherhood. But the most hidden and powerful symbolism of gender roles in Salvage the Bones is seen through Hurricane Katrina. The personification of the hurricane creates the ground for what a female’s role is in Salvage the Bones. What is the hurricane’s role as a female in the novel? Could the hurricane be a mother?
ReplyDeleteThats funny I completely agree with you Josh in regards to the conflicting characters. Alexis I totally agree with you as well as both men embracing similar masculine roles. But I want to continue on with Alexis' thought on Hurricane Katrina. On my own, i have always been raised with never wanting to see or be on the receiving end of a woman's scorn. Which is where I believe Katrina comes into play. Hurricane Katrina I feel plays the over whelming power that a woman is capable of while fighting a never winning battle. Its as if Katrina is the Extreme breaking point of a woman whom can maintain with so many struggles and conflicts on her own until she can no longer contain it. However, I am not exactly sure as to how I would relate the Katrina to a mother figure.
ReplyDeleteAs with most people I also agree with you on the differences between Manny and Skeetah. When Esch tells Manny she is pregnant, Manny responds by saying she is a slut and the baby is not his. It is not known when Skeetah finds out about the pregnancy but he goes out in the water during the hurricane to save her because he knew she was pregnant. These two instances also show different reactions to Esch's pregnancy.
ReplyDeleteAs with most people I also agree with you on the differences between Manny and Skeetah. When Esch tells Manny she is pregnant, Manny responds by saying she is a slut and the baby is not his. It is not known when Skeetah finds out about the pregnancy but he goes out in the water during the hurricane to save her because he knew she was pregnant. These two instances also show different reactions to Esch's pregnancy.
ReplyDelete