Masculine Mattie vs. Basic Bella vs. Courageous Katniss
“Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong… It is time that we all perceive gender on a spectrum not as two opposing sets of ideals.” Emma Watson, United Nations Women’s Goodwill Ambassador. This is the point that most feminists are trying to bring to attention, that we should be able to express and feel any emotions regardless of our gender. Many authors appear to try and incorporate this theme into their novels, including Charles Portis, Stephenie Meyer, and Suzanne Collins.
Charles Portis, author of True Grit, introduces readers to a character named Mattie Ross. Mattie Ross Mattie Ross is a manly 14 year old girl who is seeking revenge for her father’s death. In the story, Mattie learns more about the person who murdered her father and goes through a lot of major events, however remains basically emotionless the entire time. Mattie also refuses to accept help, even if it goes against her best interests. Emotion and vulnerability are often seen as female traits rather than male ones and because Mattie does not express any emotions nor accept help, it causes her to be seen as less feminine/more manly. Because Mattie has the characteristics that generally are given to a male character, she is seen to some as a feminist role model. However, the basic assumption that because Mattie is manlier than the average female, does not automatically make her a feminine