Gender and Realization in “Boys and Girls” by Alice Munro Essay Example

a response to the salesman's surprise when he realizes she is a girl (512).

The narrator believes that these words are directed towards other girls, but she remains confident that she can defy their meaning. She is certain that she will never be seen as incapable or unwanted in a physically demanding environment.

The narrator gradually becomes aware of how gender affects the way people are valued. The narrator has already aligned herself with her father's world, which includes the foxes, the barn, and his clever inventions. Despite being shy and not asking him questions, she feels more at ease working alongside him.

In contrast, the narrator finds the kitchen to be a stark difference. She dislikes the hot, green, oily, and smelly environment, and believes that working in the house is never-ending, dreary, and particularly depressing. However, she views work done outdoors and in her father's service as ceremoniously significant (513).

She may have unintentionally come to understand that a person's labor is influenced by gender. The narrator's recognition of the man's work is the beginning of her understanding of societal expectations based on gender, although she has not fully internalized them yet.

The narrator's doubts are raised when she witnesses her mother's presence at the barn, and she starts to question her importance in a male-dominated society. In Munro's story, it is stated: "It was an odd thing to see my mother down at the barn" (512).

Her mother informs her that soon her younger brother, who she considers to be much less capable, will replace her: "Wait until laird grows a little more, then you'll actually have some

real assistance" (513).

The unspoken conversation carries significance despite the narrator's assertion of not hearing it. The narrator assumes that he must have expressed his dissatisfaction with her lack of productivity. However, she perceives his attention as an attempt to appease and disregards any possibility that Laird could be more useful than her.

Ironically, the narrator reinforces the stereotype as she believes her mother doesn't belong in that place. She has not yet realized the connection between herself and her mother based on their gender. While the narrator acknowledges her mother's love, she remains cautious and constantly on guard for any signs of betrayal.