Gender Identity In Olivia And Where The Wild Things Are

It is well-known in modern culture that children begin developing gender identities from a very young age. As soon as children are able to comprehend media and the actions of those around them, they are bombarded with examples of gender roles. In fact, they are presented with these examples even before they can comprehend them. Parents may begin reading children books right from birth. The gender roles that are often present in these picture books aimed at young children become ingrained in the minds of the children, kickstarting the development of gender identity. Children’s picture books are often aimed at one gender or the other, and this is usually done through the use of a gendered protagonist. Two examples of such children’s books, each with an oppositely gendered protagonist, are Olivia by Ian Falconer and Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

While pigs are not normally gendered like humans, it is very clear that Olivia is meant to represent a little girl. The name “Olivia” itself brings to mind a feminine image, as it is a common female name in the English language. Furthermore, Olivia is depicted on the cover of the book wearing a red dress. Clothing is often the most apparent indicator of gender in the book, as the pigs themselves are illustrated in an androgynous manner. Olivia is also shown throughout the book in such feminine articles as makeup, necklaces, and bathing suits. When she wakes up, she “brushes her ears,” mimicking the common practice of girls brushing their hair. Olivia is interested in the arts and reading, and she is enamoured by a painting of a dancer in a museum, implying her own interest in that typically feminine art