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Boys Don't Cry: themes and context
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Blackman wrote to challenge stereotypes and get young readers talking.
Context
Malorie Blackman is a British author famous for young adult fiction. She was Children's Laureate from 2013 to 2015.
The novel was published in 2010. Although attitudes had changed, homophobic bullying and violence were still serious problems.
Teenage pregnancy and young fathers were often stereotyped in the media.
The novel was published in 2010. Although attitudes had changed, homophobic bullying and violence were still serious problems.
Teenage pregnancy and young fathers were often stereotyped in the media.
Key themes
Masculinity: what it means to be a man, and the damage done by hiding feelings.
Fatherhood and family: Dante learns responsibility; Dad learns openness.
Homophobia and prejudice: Adam's experience.
Responsibility and growing up: Dante's choices.
Fatherhood and family: Dante learns responsibility; Dad learns openness.
Homophobia and prejudice: Adam's experience.
Responsibility and growing up: Dante's choices.
Methods
Dual first-person narration lets the reader into both brothers' heads.
Chapters often end on moments of tension, keeping the reader engaged.
The ordinary family setting makes the issues feel real.
Chapters often end on moments of tension, keeping the reader engaged.
The ordinary family setting makes the issues feel real.
How does the novel challenge stereotypes of young fathers?
- Young fathers were often shown as irresponsible.
- Dante gives up his plans to care for Emma.
- He is shown as loving and responsible.
Answer: By showing Dante as a loving, responsible father, against the stereotype.
Published 2010; Blackman, Children's Laureate 2013 to 2015. Themes: masculinity, fatherhood and family, homophobia and prejudice, responsibility. Dual first-person narration.
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