Reading “The Manchineel” Through a Gendered Lens
It’s been one month since the release of The Manchineel! I sincerely appreciate anyone who took time out of their lives to read Ben and Elyse’s story. The response has certainly been thought provoking for me and I thought I’d share one juicy observation in particular: men and women view this book VERY differently.
Not to overly generalize here, but at least anecdotally, the feedback I’ve received from women sounds like “I want Elyse to be my BFF, she’s a loyal ride-or-die kind of woman every girl wants on her side.” While men have said “Elyse’s hammer is murder and every problem looks like a nail. Why is she so homicidal?”
I have a theory!
The divergent reader responses to Elyse’s character shed light on broader societal norms and gendered expectations. The traits that make Elyse a compelling character for women – her cunning, her moral complexity, and use of calculated tactics to overcome a physical disadvantage in her approach – may be the same traits that puzzle or alienate male readers. Don’t get me wrong, morally gray might be an understatement when it comes to Elyse. She does bad things. But why do some cheer as she does so while others recoil?
Feeling Powerless
The inception of Elyse Santiago during a period of personal powerlessness imbues her character with an authentic sense of anger, struggle and resilience. This authenticity resonates with readers who have faced similar battles (SA, DV), making Elyse’s journey feel not just relatable but deeply personal. And yes, there’s a touch of psycho in there as well, a feeling relatable to those driven mildly insane by a relationship (it’s giving Kill Bill by Sza). The character becomes a conduit for exploring themes of rage, empowerment, justice, and survival.
Justice and Revenge
At the heart of Elyse’s actions lies a quest for justice, a theme that strikes a chord with many female readers. Her morally ambiguous, even vengeful, actions can be seen as a cathartic response to the injustices and struggles that women have endured. This portrayal of female rage and retribution, though controversial, taps into a broader cultural conversation about the ways in which women seek justice and the societal norms that often silence or condemn their anger. Women, in particular, might find aspects of their own fears, desires, and fantasies reflected in Elyse’s journey.
Loyalty and Friendship
Elyse also embodies the extreme version of loyalty and the protective nature of female friendships. Her actions, driven by a fierce sense of allegiance, resonate with women who value the depth and intensity of "ride or die" friendships. This aspect of her character speaks to the importance of unwavering support systems among women and the lengths to which one might go to protect those they love.
What do you think?
*This blog is primarily centered around the traditional gender binary, but does not intend to exclude non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals from the conversation. Their perspectives and experiences are invaluable, particularly in discussions around themes of justice, empowerment, and societal norms, which are universal and not confined to binary gender narratives.
However, it’s important to note that the insights and observations presented here are based on a limited sample size, predominantly consisting of individuals who identify within the gender binary. This limitation is not a reflection of the validity or importance of non-binary perspectives but rather a current gap in the available feedback and discussions surrounding “The Manchineel” and its characters.
