A while ago, I started reading a novel called 'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed and posted a series of blogs analyzing it. After viewing 'Wild' through 3 different lenses of literary theories, I have come to a realization that Feminist literary theory provided the most insight. I believe that this book was written targetting female audience. Cheryl's way of writing is specified in a way that women are able to relate. As a female, I was able to relate to Cheryl and her problems. A specific example would be when she talked about getting her period on the trail. A man would not be able to relate to that at all. Throughout the book, Cheryl talks about the struggles she faced on the trail, to show in the end how she overcame them all. Cheryl proves many stereotypes wrong and gives hope to women who struggle. First of all, feminist theory provided the most insight because it proves many stereotypes wrong. There are many stereotypes about women that are present in our society today. Some examples are, women aren't as strong (physically) as men, women aren't emotionally strong and women aren't capable enough to travel alone. But Cheryl's story proves that women are well capable, even above and beyond what men can do. Cheryl, in her book proves that she is physically able to carry heavy weights. She carried Monster (her backpack) all through her hike while several men couldn't. She stayed emotionally stable all through the hard times in her hike, not even crying once. Cheryl also proved brave enough in her decision to hike alone. Through all these actions, she proved the stereotypes wrong. You may wonder why that's a big deal. I believe that Cheryl wanted to show the world that women are equal to men. In my culture, women don't hold as much power as men. Men hold supreme power and are given more importance in any given circumstance. A point of view from elders in my culture would never approve of Cheryl's decision to hike alone. There are reaosns for their beliefs. It's because they believe that women aren't as strong as men. This stereotype blinds them from seeing the reality. For anyone woman that comes from my culture, Cheryl's story would be a great inspiration. As this is a book targeted to women from all different cultures, it helps them to see the positive and negative sides of going through struggles and enduring through them all. This is why feminist literary theory provided the most insight. Second of all, feminist theory provided the most insight because 'Wild' is a motivation for all women that struggle. Throughout the book, Cheryl describes her inner struggles. Many of her struggles are ones that most women can relate to. Cheryl describes the issues with her beloved ones in the beginning of the book. Her problems with her mother, brother, father, stepfather and friends were all solved through her hike. She chose the best way to heal from the pain she had. She shows how she healed by chosing the best path for her. It is important to believe in yourself ignore negative comments. Cheryl spent time alone, helping to heal from all the sorrow. She is portraying the message that each of us should know ourselves and find the best way to heal. Her story is especially relatable to women because they are often looked down upon in society. Cheryl's story inspired me to always strive for the best and believe in myslef. As a girl, I do not have a lot of opportunities or options in front of me. But after reading this book, I learned that I am capable to do anything. I believe that the underlying message in Cheryl's book was that everything is possible, even if you are a woman. Her story inspired me very much. I'll end with my favourite quote from Wild. “I knew that if I allowed fear to overtake me, my journey was doomed. Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told. I decided I was safe. I was strong. I was brave. Nothing could vanquish me” (Strayed 51). Work Cited:
Strayed, Cheryl. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. New York: Knopf, 2012. Print.
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AuthorI am Keziah Vilson from A.B. Lucas Secondary School. I write about topics we cover in my grade 12 English class. Archives
December 2016
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