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guys rather than the heroes. Pratchett also has created the new images of witches by showing how sensible and practical the witches are. The irony supports the
sense of the new images of heroes and witches.
c. Subverting the Gender Dualism
In common fairy tales, the heroes are described as the smart males who have the power to control the female characters. The heroes are greater in each
aspect: intelligence, figures, powers, etc. Nevertheless, that image of heroes is not seen in The Wee Free Men. The heroes in The Wee Free Men are pictured to
be less-educated characters. They also cannot live without the leadership of Kelda a mother of the clan.
“What will I have to do?” said Tiffany. “The thinkin’,” said the kelda, still holding up her thumb.
“My lads are good lads, there’s none braver. But they think their heids is most useful as weapons. But
sometimes I think all the brains is saved for the daughters. They’re
good boys, but they’re no’ great thinkers. You’ll have to help them help ye.
” Pratchett, 2003: 162, 163 The quotation is taken when the old Kelda is dying. She points Tiffany
as the temporary Kelda right before the old Kelda is gone. Tiffany, who is clueless about the Kelda’s duty, has to nurture the Feegles and help them think.
From the quotation, it can be inferred that the male characters in the story has only one skill: fighting. However, the Feegles have no idea how to manage their
lives without the help of a Kelda. The superiority of male over female is subverted in The Wee Free Men. It is shown as the heroes are portrayed as the
bunch of careless, less-educated guys who is powerless without their Kelda.
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The subversion of gender dualism also appears when it is the woman that has to rule a new clan.
“’Ye’re a dutiful girl, Fion, but it’s time ye were picking’ your bodyguard and going awa’ seeking a clan of your own. Ye canna stay
here. ’” Pratchett, 2003: 164. The old Kelda asks Fion to prepare herself to
seek a new clan. The old Kelda is also explainin g the Nac Mac Feegles’ way to
rule a clan, and who will run the clan. It is a daughter of Kelda that has the responsibility to lead the clan.
“’Fion must take her pick o’ them that will follow her and seek a clan that needs a kelda. That is our way.
’” Pratchett, 2003: 166. In order to get a new clan, a woman must leave her clan and marry a warrior
from another clan. It is quite unique trend in children’s literature, since usually it is the males that have to build a new kingdom by leaving his country or
marrying a princess from another kingdom. It is obvious that female is considered smart and powerful in The Wee
Free Men . They have essential role other than being ‘damsel in distress’. Fiona,
the only girl in Feegles clan, has to seek another clan and find a warrior to marry her.
The same condition has never been found in children’s literature. Thus, it can be said that Pratchett has created new images by subverting gender dualism.
Subverting gender dualism is not creating the superiority of female characters over male characters. It is more like creating female characters who
have the same quality and duty as the males. With the same courage, rationalism, and position, female characters are no longer considered as the
passive, weak characters. By giving the same portion and equal role to male, Pratchett has subverted the gender dualism
in children’s literature. Nevertheless,
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Pratchett does not put too much effort to create equality. The female characters in the story has their own way to be equal by having the same rights and role as
the male characters do.
d. Exposing Unusual Diction
