Women:
1. Caretakers and Nurturers: Women in the story are primarily depicted as caretakers, responsible for nurturing and protecting the main characters. Mrs. Doodle, the mother, is a compassionate figure who shows unconditional love for her children, particularly the sickly Doodle. She plays a crucial role in fostering Doodle's development and self-esteem, despite his physical limitations.
2. Supportive and Understanding: The story presents women as sources of support and understanding. Mrs. Doodle supports her husband's aspirations for Doodle, even when they seem impractical. She also provides emotional support to Doodle, helping him cope with his physical challenges.
3. Symbol of Empathy and Compassion: Through Mrs. Doodle's character, the story highlights the power of empathy and compassion. She empathizes with Doodle's struggles and treats him with kindness and care, regardless of his differences.
Men:
1. Unrealistic Expectations and Ambition: Men in the story are portrayed as driven by unrealistic expectations and ambition. Mr. Doodle, the father, is determined to make Doodle successful, despite the latter's physical limitations. His ambition blinds him to Doodle's true nature and well-being.
2. Lack of Emotional Connection: The men in the story often lack emotional depth and struggle to connect with others on a deeper level. Mr. Doodle's primary focus is on Doodle's physical capabilities, and he fails to recognize and appreciate his son's emotional needs and vulnerabilities.
3. Pride and Masculinity: The story also suggests a connection between masculinity and pride, particularly through the character of Brother. Brother is characterized by his pride and desire to appear strong and successful. His competitiveness and lack of understanding towards Doodle reflect society's expectations of masculinity.
4. Symbol of Oppressive Expectations: Through the character of Mr. Doodle, the story critiques the societal pressures and expectations that can lead to emotional neglect and alienation within families.
In summary, the story portrays women as compassionate caregivers and sources of understanding, while men are often driven by ambition, expectations, and pride. These portrayals contribute to the story's themes of self-acceptance, compassion, and the dangers of unrealistic expectations.