Sexing the Cherry Essay Questions

What is the significance of Dog Woman's giant size?

Dog Woman is depicted as superhumanly large. This size functions metaphorically to communicate her power and fearlessness; it also gives her the ability to commit unusual acts of force and strength. Dog Woman's size (combined with her somewhat ugly and grotesque physical appearance) also puts her at odds with traditional feminine norms, which have historically valued women being small, dainty, and demure. Dog Woman's gigantic stature shows her ability to accept and value herself regardless of social norms, because she never seems to be unhappy or ashamed of her appearance, though it does sometimes render her lonely and isolated. Finally, Dog Woman's gigantic size introduces an aspect of the magical and fantastical into what is otherwise a fairly plausible historical narrative.

Why does Dog Woman hate the Puritans?

The plot of the novel encompasses the English Civil War (1642-1651) and the period in which Puritan forces loyal to Cromwell held control of England (1651-1660). Dog Woman is a Royalist who is loyal to the monarchy, and she also has a strong personal dislike of Puritans. Dog Woman does not like that Puritans are judgmental, and that they advocate shame and disgust around the human body and sexuality. Dog Woman is particularly annoyed because she can tell that many Puritans are hypocrites who condemn others while engaging in similar behaviors themselves. Dog Woman's hatred of Puritans leads her to commit many gruesome acts of violence against them, but she never feels worried or guilty about these acts.

Why are Jordan and Fortunata unable to stay together?

After catching only a brief glimpse of her, Jordan pursues Fortunata for a long time before finally finding her on an isolated island. Although they seem happy during the time they spend together, Fortunata is unwilling to leave her island, and Jordan cannot stay with her. Fortunata has found peace and safety in living an independent and isolated life; Jordan is committed to ideals of heroism and achievement, and he cannot accomplish those things if he stays on the island with her. Their separation shows that people are often living multiple lives at the same time: the path they chose, and the other possibilities that they rejected. Because Fortunata and Jordan's storyline is dreamy and fantastical, it is not clear how much of this relationship occurs in Jordan's mind, and how much occurs in reality.

In what ways do Jordan and Nicholas Jordan resemble one another? How are they different?

Nicholas Jordan is a character in the novel's 20th-century storyline who seems to be a modernized version of Jordan. Both boys are somewhat dreamy and sensitive, and they are both very interested in boats and the sea. Nicholas ends up joining the British Navy, while Jordan ends up sailing around the world with Tradescant. The two young men are different because Nicholas grows up with his biological family with whom he has a somewhat loving but distant relationship, whereas Jordan is found as an infant and raised by his adoptive mother, Dog Woman.

What is the significance of Dog Woman and Jordan leaving London at the end of the novel?

Dog Woman has a strong bond with the city of London, and lives through many important events there. However, after the great plague of 1665, Dog Woman becomes uncomfortable and unhappy living in London. She is haunted by memories of the death and suffering she witnessed during the outbreak of plague. She starts to feel that it is time for her to move on, and she is even relieved when the fire breaks out because she thinks the city should burn to the ground. Dog Woman and Jordan choosing to leave London shows that they are both ready to let go of the past and look for a place where they can truly be themselves.