, ENG2613
ESSAY QUESTION:
‘Gender stereotypes are reinforced in literature.’
Discuss Marguerite Abouet’s treatment of gender in the excerpt
above: does she stick to traditional gender roles for boys and girls?
Quote evidence from the excerpt to substantiate your points.
Then, in the second half of your essay, discuss the possible influence
of traditional gender stereotypes on young learners and state
whether or not you believe gender diversity is important in children’s
literature in a South African context.
Your essay should be 2 pages long
In the excerpt from "Akissi: Tales of Mischief" by Marguerite Abouet,
there is a clear depiction of traditional gender roles for boys and girls,
but the author also challenges these roles to some extent. Abouet
portrays boys as adventurous and mischievous, while girls are depicted
as responsible and caring.
The main character, Akissi, is a young girl who is shown as mischievous
and adventurous. She challenges the gender expectations placed upon
her by engaging in activities typically associated with boys, such as
climbing trees and catching rats. However, despite her defiance of
traditional gender roles, her actions are still framed within a binary
framework where boys and girls are expected to behave differently. For
example, the other kids tease Akissi by calling her a boy, implying that
her behaviour is not appropriate for a girl.
The evidence for traditional gender roles can be seen in the action of
the boys. They are shown climbing trees, playing soccer, and trying to
catch fish. For example, when the boys play soccer, the text states,
"They won't let me play with them...I don't see why! I'm as strong as
them!" This highlights the idea that it is the boys who engage in
ESSAY QUESTION:
‘Gender stereotypes are reinforced in literature.’
Discuss Marguerite Abouet’s treatment of gender in the excerpt
above: does she stick to traditional gender roles for boys and girls?
Quote evidence from the excerpt to substantiate your points.
Then, in the second half of your essay, discuss the possible influence
of traditional gender stereotypes on young learners and state
whether or not you believe gender diversity is important in children’s
literature in a South African context.
Your essay should be 2 pages long
In the excerpt from "Akissi: Tales of Mischief" by Marguerite Abouet,
there is a clear depiction of traditional gender roles for boys and girls,
but the author also challenges these roles to some extent. Abouet
portrays boys as adventurous and mischievous, while girls are depicted
as responsible and caring.
The main character, Akissi, is a young girl who is shown as mischievous
and adventurous. She challenges the gender expectations placed upon
her by engaging in activities typically associated with boys, such as
climbing trees and catching rats. However, despite her defiance of
traditional gender roles, her actions are still framed within a binary
framework where boys and girls are expected to behave differently. For
example, the other kids tease Akissi by calling her a boy, implying that
her behaviour is not appropriate for a girl.
The evidence for traditional gender roles can be seen in the action of
the boys. They are shown climbing trees, playing soccer, and trying to
catch fish. For example, when the boys play soccer, the text states,
"They won't let me play with them...I don't see why! I'm as strong as
them!" This highlights the idea that it is the boys who engage in
