No Name Woman And Hunger: A Memoir Of (My) Body

The societal expectations and stereotypes surrounding gender and femininity have been a topic of discussion and debate for decades. Two literary works that provide an insight into this issue are Maxine Hong Kingston's "No Name Woman" and Roxane Gay's "Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body." The societal stereotypes and expectations surrounding gender roles have played a significant role in shaping the lives of these women characters in different ways. Both works delve into the impact of society's stereotypes and expectations on female identity and purpose. This essay will explore how these expectations and stereotypes affect the main characters in the two works.

In "No Name Woman," Kingston narrates the story of her aunt, who was punished and exiled

Gay's body does not conform to the societal ideal, and she faces constant ridicule, shaming, and discrimination. Gay notes that “[She has] a presence… [She] take[s] up space” (Gay 13). Society associates thinness with discipline, control, and success, while fatness is seen as a failure, lack of willpower, and lack of self-control. This expectation is not only damaging to women's physical health but also to their mental and emotional well-being. Women are constantly bombarded with images of unattainable beauty standards, which can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Gay writes: "I am not supposed to be fat. I am not supposed to be black. And yet, I am. This is not a lament. This is a reckoning" (Gay, 8). This quote highlights how societal expectations around beauty and desirability were imposed on Gay's body, which was seen as deviating from the norm. This led to her being stigmatized and marginalized, causing her to struggle with feelings of shame and self-hatred. Furthermore, similar to Kingston, there is another layer to expectations as a woman of color. Gay's memoir highlights the impact of societal expectations on women's self-image and self-worth. She narrates how her struggle with weight and body image has affected her relationships, career, and personal life. She

Kingston experienced the expectations of a woman’s sexuality and Gay experienced the expectations of a woman’s appearance. Women are expected to conform to a narrow and restrictive code of conduct, which denies them the freedom to express their desires and aspirations. This expectation can lead to shame, guilt, and self-doubt, which can have a detrimental effect on women's mental and emotional health. Women are also subject to constant scrutiny and judgment, which can lead to a sense of insecurity and anxiety. Furthermore, the two works also highlight the intersectionality of gender and other forms of oppression, such as race and class. Women of color, for instance, face multiple layers of discrimination and oppression, which can exacerbate the impact of societal expectations on their lives. In "No Name Woman," the aunt's punishment is not only for her sexual transgression but also for being a woman of color in a patriarchal and racist society. Similarly, in "Hunger," Gay's experience of discrimination and shaming is shaped by her identity as a woman of color and a survivor of sexual assault. The impact of societal expectations on women's lives is not limited to their personal experiences but also extends to their professional and social lives. In "No Name Woman," the aunt's transgression is seen as a threat to the family's honor and