Ashfall journel #2

What is the role of women in the novel? How are they treated by the author-important or marginalized? Strong or weak?

            Women have a very strong and important role in this novel. All the women that Alex met, encountered, or mentioned throughout his journey had similar traits. All the women were excellent caretakers to Alex. Even if they were not huge roles in the story at some point they helped Alex out.

            Alex’s mom is an important woman in this book even though she did not have a role in the novel. Alex talked about her the most out of his family. He talked about his issues he had with his mom and the fights they would get into between each other but throughout the book Alex’s thoughts about his mom became sweeter. By the end of the book whenever Alex talked about his mom he stated how important she is to him and how great of a caretaker she is.

            Another important woman in the story is Darla. Darla is very strong, smart, brave, and is a good caretaker to Alex. Darla nursed Alex back to health when he showed up at her farmhouse very close to death. Without her Alex could have easily died. Darla also taught Alex chores on the farm like making mechanical repairs, digging up corn, skinning rabbits, and running the machine that she created for recharging the batteries. “Darla shoveled maniacally, ramming in her spade and hurling each scoop away. Her mom kept up a measured pace, without any wasted effort.” Alex thought as he watched these strong women work so hard.

            Mrs. Edmunds’ Darla’s mom, was a hard working woman who delt with struggles in her life but she gladly took Alex under her wing when he was in dire need of help. Without her generosity Alex could have died. And when she died and the way she died really hurt Alex. He knew how important she was to Darla and even though he didn’t know Mrs. Edmunds for long he had a lot of respect for her and he truly cared about her.

            All these women played caretaker roles. For example, the woman at the camp who worked for FEMA. She truly cared about the well being of all the people and would do anything to help. She snuck 12 almonds in Alex’s pocket for him and Darla everytime they stood in line. Those 12 almonds were so special and important to them. Who knows those almonds could have saved Alex’s life.

Also the first farmhouse that Alex stayed at he was completely taken care of by the woman who lived their. She made him food and took care of them even though supplies are scarce in such a devastating time in their lives. The man of that house had to secretly sneak Alex out while the woman was sleeping because they both knew that she would have let him stay for however long it was dangerous outside. Alex understood the situation and gladly left but he will always appreciate that woman and what she did for him.