In Sing, Unburied, Sing stereotypical family roles are overturned with the incorporation of the character Jojo. The novel opens with the grotesque scene of Jojo helping Pop with the slaughtering of a pig. This immediately gives the realization that Jojo is struggling with his manhood with the quote, “I want Pop to know I can get bloody. Today’s my birthday” (Ward 20). Despite how concise the statement was, it is impactful nonetheless. Jojo turns thirteen, which is widely considered a large step into manhood in society. Moreover, Jojo’s unconscious rejection of this traditionally male-oriented activity allows the reader to understand Jojo’s beginning role in the novel. Even though other boys his age may be enthusiastic about helping their Pop carry out tasks on the farm, Jojo can not even stomach it, literally.
Jojo’s unintentional rejection of his stereotypical male roles emphasizes his other role in the family, taking care of Kayla. Jojo exhibits unconditional love for his baby sister and is the primary caretaker, as Leonie is fairly absent as a mother. Unfortunately, Pop displays his disappointment in Jojo’s caregiving through his body language, “Pop shakes his head, but I keep throwing, because I know by the way he wipes his hands on the dish towels… he doesn’t disapprove” (Ward 20). The key phrase in this excerpt is that Pop “doesn’t disapprove” of Jojo’s role. Pop understands that Leonie is not as present as she needs to be as a mother and recognizes that Jojo is the best alternative to help raise and take care of Kayla. He may not like that Jojo can not help him on the farm or do other traditionally manly activities, but he knows that he is fulfilling a role in the family.
Finally, Jojo plays a critical role in the family, being the primary caregiver for Kayla. His recognition of what Kayla needs and how she acts is incredibly important. When Leonie is present and attempts to give Kayla any kind of attention, she seemingly makes the wrong choice. For example, “Kayla is making me hold her because she cried and pushed at Leonie’s collarbone and reached for me until she frowned and held her out to me…”(Ward 27). Jojo seems to be more in tune with Kayla than her mother. Although unconventional, his actions assuage her needs, which keeps Kayla content.
As Jojo’s role in the family becomes more defined as the novel progresses, the further he strays away from stereotypical manhood. His rejection of this role begs the reader to challenge these traditional roles by appreciating his maturity and embracing his role in the family.
This was a unique way to look at Jojo's role in his family. The book puts a lot of effort into showing the reader that Jojo is taking on a motherly role in raising Kayla: from him playing with her on page 20 like in your example, from him being the one who cleans up after her when she throws up in the car, and from Kayla pushing her mother away at several points in the story to reach for Jojo. I hadn't considered how Jojo's embrace of his motherly role for his sister pushes him away from a more traditionally masculine role. The scene with the pig is a good example of that.
ReplyDeleteEven though Jojo doesn't embrace a masculine role in his family, the book doesn't portray it negatively. Jojo is written as an aspirational character who takes care of Kayla and who can be trusted to be responsible for the rest of the family on their trip. Pop tells Jojo right before they leave to “Watch after them,” (Ward, Chapter 3), showing how he trusts Jojo the most in his family, despite his failing at the farm and despite the way he rejects the more typical traits. The book makes a point to show readers how men can take on a motherly role and still command the respect of their family. I never thought of this perspective before - thank you for sharing!