feminist (page 101-167)

In the 1800's women did not have as many rights as men did which included voting. Jobs and chores were done according to gender and age. In this portion of "The Sisters brothers" by Patrick Dewitt, the brothers have arrived in California. The brothers have killed a female bear with red fur for the reward of one hundred dollars. The author uses a female bear to symbolise the bravery of men because a bear is symbolized as very dangerous and vicious. The bear is brought to Mr.Mayfield for a reward of one hundred dollars. At the office an old women is called in to wash and put the fur on display. "I said, "the women is too old for such tasks." Mayfield shook his head. "She is a dynamo. I have tried to assign her simpler, lighter work,"(p.121) The author devalues the females especially in this potion of the novel.  The fact that it is an old woman that puts the fur on display surprises Eli because women are considered weaker than men and the fact that she is old makes her weaker. The concern for her well being is considered by both Eli and Mr. Mayfield but it is only considered because of their ignorance. To celebrate Mr. Mayfield calls in some whores for himself and the two brothers. Reference is made to the whores on page 122 "the room filled with painted whores, seven in number, each of them frills and lace, each of them already drunk." The idea of whores fortifies the idea of women being lower than men. Whores illustrates that  the pleasuring of men has developed into occupations. Women are basically used for their bodies to satisfy the needs of men because men consider themselves far superior. 

Eli has no interest in the whores that Mr. Mayfield has called into the room. He is interested in a women that works as a bookkeeper for Mr. Mayfield. The author uses this minor character to illustrate that women are very caring and also afraid. This is shown when the bookkeeper takes Charlie into a room that has been locked for a long time for his security from Mr. Mayfield and the trappers. She is scared away when Eli shoots into the floor thinking that the catchers are occupying the room beneath his. Eli opens the door and waits for the trappers to come and fight him. Since Eli is intoxicated so he does things he normally wouldn't. He becomes "manly" when he is drunk. The author reveals the ideology men use they are used to getting intoxicated for courage. This is shown when Eli has enough courage to ask he bookkeeper questions that he normally wouldn't. the author also reveals the sensitive side of Eli when he gives his share of the reward to the bookkeeper. Eli is portrayed as weak and feminine due to his sensitive side. The stereotype that women are sensitive and caring enforces the feminine characteristics. what are your thoughts on the feminism in the 1800's from the insight of this section of the novel ?