Essay Questions

Why is Michele Roberts considering gender role reversal as one of the main themes in The Book of Mrs. Noah?

The author positions Mrs. Noah as a modern heroic woman who is ready to take responsibility not because of her feminine status but the will and determination. The Book of Mrs. Noah is set in Venice but it borrows most of the ideas from the Biblical story of Noah. The reader interprets Mrs. Noah as the incarnated wife of Noah of the Bible. When there is a big flood in Venice, Mrs. Noah asks her husband to build the ark but he disappears. Building of structures is traditionally done by men but Mrs. Noah takes the responsibility of building the ark. After building the ark, she takes the responsibility of urging her fellow women to board and salivate themselves. Therefore, the theme of gender reversal roles is evident because Mrs. Noah undertakes the activities that are naturally meant for men.

What is the allegorical meaning of ‘Venice and flood’ in The Book of Mrs. Noah?

The Book of Mrs. Noah is set in Venice where events largely resemble the description of the story of Noah in the Biblical book of Genesis. Venice represents the entire globe while the flood is figurative of God’s anger to destroy humanity. People are warned that there is going to be a huge flood but they ignore. When Mrs. Noah asks her husband to build the ark he disappears. However, Mrs. Noah builds the ark and she manages to save women. Therefore, Venice and the flood are allegorically used in the novel.

Is heroism found in an individual’s destiny according to Michele Roberts?

Mrs. Noah is depicted as a heroine by the author of the novel. According to Michelle, heroism is not based on an individual's strength but destiny. Mrs. Noah can accomplish complex assignments in her life because she values her community. To reciprocate the respect her community accords her, she decides to do the unimaginable to save the community from the floods. Additionally, Mrs. Noah uses her authority to serve the people but not to demean and disrespect them.