Eleanor wears ties; Park wears eyeliner. Eleanor hates makeup; Park doesn't do sports. They have passionate discussions about gender roles in comic books. Oh, and Eleanor's the Han Solo in the relationship, which probably makes Park Princess Leia. Eleanor & Park's protagonists like to question traditional gender roles, pushing the envelope of what it means to be a stereotypical guy or girl. It's just one more thing that sets them apart from everyone else—and makes them perfect for each other.
Questions About Gender
- Park has grown up thinking he's "girly" compared to his dad and brother, even though he's good at taekwondo. Why does Park think he's "girly?"
- Eleanor likes to dress in men's shirts and ties, and she hates makeup. Are there any other ways she opts out of traditional femininity?
- Why do you think Eleanor, in particular, likes to question gender roles? What frustrates her about comic book heroines?
- Park's dad has a particularly hard time accepting Park's decision to wear makeup. Why is this so difficult for him?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Park decides to wear eyeliner to point out the fact that he's not a stereotypical guy, and at last, he's proud of it.
Park's mom has an easier time understanding why Park wants to wear eyeliner, than understanding why Eleanor doesn't want to.