In not saying too much yet because I don’t want to spoil the book for others, but I have to say that reading this novel for a second time makes me realize even more the constant explanation of what seems normal for traditional gender roles. As we talked about in class the other day, sex and gender roles are a major theme throughout the novel, obviously enough because almost every sentence has something sexual about it. Most of the statements are definitely over the top but kind of express in a broad sense how most Americans would stereotype the perfect people, the very sexual female and the very macho man. I’m not necessarily agreeing with the way that the genders are expressed in this novel, and although they are way off on a tangent they are based on true stereotypical physical ideals.
Although the man and woman physical ideas are expressed in a more traditional way, the gender roles are completely reversed. This role reversal is explained in great detail through the orgy scene. The idea that “no man shall ever possess Myra Breckinridge” is certainly explained through her statement, “I need one man to break down, not twenty to serve” (112). The concept of female dominance and her mission to change the gender roles is imperative in understanding why Myra acts the way she does.
Overall, I think I’m understanding this novel way better this time. There are so many clues and foreshadowings that I missed the first time. Brace yourself for the ending!
I think the gender roles in this novel are one of the big themes represented here. I would be lying if I said that Myra kind of scares me a little bit, I think if I ever met her in real life I might run away pretty quickly for fear of just being a male in her presence.
Comment by jpilch86 — February 27, 2009 @ 2:06 pm
I also saw the concept of female dominance as a way for Myra to try and change the traditional ideas of gender. I find that she is trying to use her dominance over Rusty as the first steps into reinventing the sexes. I am really fascinated by Myra and can’t wait to see how this books ends even though I am worried that it might not end the way I like it.
Comment by elphingirl — March 1, 2009 @ 10:20 pm