Ree & Gender Roles

     Ree’s experiences in “Winter’s Bone” defies the traditional gender roles deeply entrenched in her society where men are often seen as the primary providers and decision-makers while women are expected to conform to certain domestic roles. We see this dynamic through Floyd’s character when Gail asks to use the car to help Ree out and says “He won’t let me drive” and “It’s different once you’re married” (page 35). She just accepts the fact that Floyd’s making decisions for her and doesn’t even try and fight it. With Gail we also see that she’s the only one concerned about Ned’s well-being and is really the sole caretaker of him, which further emphasizes the gender roles in society of women being the nurturing type, doing domestic chores.

    At first glance, Ree seems to defy traditional gender roles in her determination to find her father and support her family. She takes on responsibilities typically associated with men, such as taking care of her family, navigating dangerous situations, and confronting the harsh realities of her community. Her actions challenge the stereotype of women being confined to domestic spaces and passive roles. She doesn’t rely on male protection defying the traditional notion of female vulnerability. She has the mindset of if I don’t do it myself, “[h]ow else is it goin’ to happen?” (page 127). Ree assumes leadership and responsibility for her family, which transcends the boundaries of traditional gender roles. Her actions prioritize the well-being of her siblings and the preservation of her family's home, challenging the notion that only men hold the role of protectors and providers. She’s also not afraid to talk back and refuses to be intimidated or silenced by the powerful figures in her community and persists in her quest despite the risks and consequences.

However, despite her defiance of traditional gender roles in some aspects, Ree doesn't entirely reject them. We get this mixture of masculine and feminine characteristics on the first page of the book when Woodrell described her as wearing “a fluttering yellowed dress” and “combat boots” (page 3). She demonstrates immense strength and resilience while also embodying some traditional nurturing qualities often associated with women. She cares deeply for her family, especially her younger siblings, and takes on a maternal role in their upbringing, which aligns with societal expectations. We also see the one chapter of vulnerability with her and her mother, begging for some guidance from her. This section I think was an extremely important aspect to her character, showing that “[t]here’s things happenin’ that [she] don’t know what to do about” (page 118). It reminds readers that she is really just a little girl sprung into this mess trying to figure out everything and although she appears to be this tough mature woman, she does need her mom. Despite her moment of vulnerability, Ree toughens up and confronts the challenges before her, embodying a resilient spirit in the face of adversity.