Essay Questions

What is the main theme in ‘Female Masculinity by Jack Halberstam?

The main topic in the book is gender roles. Traditionally, a woman is assigned specific roles and expected to behave in a particular way. However, the modern woman challenges masculinity and beliefs that put women in a certain societal circle. For instance, the author is a masculine woman, and she comes out to defend her feelings which contradicts societal expectations. Women are not scared of expressing their sexuality and interests in modern society.

Why is the topic of the ‘masculine woman’ undermined?

The reader understands that people are born different, but society is in the front line to critic the sexuality of people. Over the years, the topic of 'masculine woman' has been undermined because cultural norms expect women to do what men expect. The author of the book ‘Female Masculinity is a woman with manly attributes, and at first, she is ashamed of her sexuality. Later in life, she shares her experiences and her manly feelings. The author's confidence in matters concerning sexuality gave leeway for open discussions about homosexuality, lesbianism and transsexual identity.

What is the dominant imagery used by the author?

The author uses the imagery of bathrooms to depict sight to readers, which helps them comprehend gender identity. For instance, the author writes, “The bathroom is a domestic space beyond the home that comes to represent domestic order, or a parody of it, out in the world. The women’s bathroom accordingly becomes a sanctuary of enhanced femininity, a `little girl’s room' to which one retreats to powder one’s nose or fix one’s hair.” Similarly, the narrator argues that the men’s bathroom illustrates masculinity.