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Gender Roles In Garp And Helen's Marriage

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The stereotypical marriage consists of a happy, faithful, trusting home and sometimes a child or children. In Garp and Helen’s marriage their experience of infidelity, lying, and secrets but to the naked eye they wouldn't believe these things went on in their marriage. Unless you were a family friend or someone in the neighborhood you would see Helen and Garp as society's normal couple, the arguments, children, happiness, etc… While Helen was at home Garp took their babysitter home but didn't leave right after, he also took “peeks” at Mrs.Ralph while she was naked. Helen on the other hand give Garp little to nothing to worry about.

Regarding their gender roles Helen and Garp have switched some characteristics. For example, Garp stays
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I personally think that if there were traditional gender roles in Garp and Helen's relationship they would not last. I think because Garp takes care of the kids and does everything in the house, Helen will be with him because he is responsible and reliable. I feel if she were the one at home she wouldn’t want Garp to be There because she already does all the work around the house. I think Garp and Helen having non-traditional gender roles is good because they get along better this way and Garp has more time to write and try to get published.

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