In The Luck of Roaring Camp by Bret Harte we see a completely different role of a child, like we discussed a little in class. I found this idea particularly interesting. In most of the stories we have read this semester the man or father figure is absent in the child’s life because his career is most important while the woman is the caretaker. The men of Roaring Camp definitely fit the stereotype of the American Boy. The men are independent, hard working, and “allowed imperfections”. “The term “roughs” applied to them was a distinction rather than a definition. Perhaps in the minor details of fingers, toes, ears, etc., the camp may have been deficient, but these slight omissions did not detract from their aggregate force” (Harte 526). I believe the absence of women in this camp enhanced the characteristics of a “typical man” who liked to gamble and did not care about hygiene.
When “Luck” is born the men are forced to be the motherly figure in his life because there are no women to take on this role. I thought it was funny that as soon as the baby came into their lives they felt the need to change their behavior. Girls we have read about, like Ellen and Gerty were taught the importance of religion and following God. We have not as much seen boys being taught a lot about religion. “A day was accordingly set apart for the christening” (Harte 534). This part in the story the men make it a huge deal to have a Church service, and they decide they must give up profanity, shouting and yelling. I thought this was interesting that men living so rough in strange male dominated society immediately change their ways for the little baby boy.
It is interesting that we see such a role reversal in Roaring Camp. In most books it is the mother that assumes the responsibility for the child. In Roaring Camp, the men still work, but we also see them care for a child, something that we don't really see in 19th century literature.
ReplyDeleteI also thought it was very interesting how throughout this class the stories have been absent of a father figure, and now The Luck of Roaring Camp is full of men trying to fulfill a “father” role. Along with that, the child/baby’s role has been altered in the story. It is interesting to think about why the author chose to do this.
ReplyDeleteI like how we saw the reversal of roles in this story. I think it made it more exciting to read because in the other stories the authors are constantly focusing on a woman figure raising the child. Also the way the men idolized this baby was a complete shock because in the other novels we read about babies, the baby was seen as a negative thing. Not only are we seeing the men still having their roles but we also see their nurtering side.
ReplyDeleteIn the previous stories the children are close to the mother because they are the ones who stay in the home-front. Whether or not this is the case, the father appears absent. I liked how you pointed this out, and how in The Luck of Roaring Camp where the camp filled with men, take on the care-taking role and take care of the baby.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you compared the men of the camp to the normal way was see the typical little boy portrayed. I think that sums up a lot of their actions and habits. We see them as dirty and irresponsible! Great post!
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