Character Analysis of Jordan and Dog Woman in Sexing the Cherry by Jeanette Winterson Essay

The Flip SideSexing the Cherry, written by Jeanette Winterson, abandons traditional literary form altogether. The main story line is very simple. At the beginning of the book, we are introduced to the Dog Woman, her adopted son Jordan and the life they lead in sixteenth century England. The Dog Woman is a large grotesque giant who has a very direct view on life. Jordan, on the other hand, has a more philosophical view on life. He has a calm personality and is a dreamer. He meets Tradescant, both an adventurer and the kings gardener. Jordan travels with him, but his most important travels seem to be those in his mind. Sexing the cherry is unlike many novels. The book doesnt seem to set time in a linear fashion. This means the author writes a book in which time is flexible. Both Dog Woman and Jordan are characters who have traits opposite to their own. This is an interesting element to Wintersons novel, for it allows the audience to look at the characters in a different manner. In this novel, Janette Winterson creates stories within the inherent tale. She sets her characters between two time dimensions, and there is a chapter on dancing princesses. Why has she done this? And has this writing style been successful? What qualities set Dog Woman apart from most women? She is much larger than any women can ever be. She has no self-respect for her looks. She says How hideous am I? My nose is flat, my eyebrows are heavy. I have only a few teeth, and those are poor show, being black and brokenThe caves in my face are home enough for fleas(19) Her past has not treated her well. We know she fell in love once, but her husband ran away because she was too hideous for him. Jordan is the only person she loves, while she likes Tradescant. It seems that Dog Woman is not looking for...

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