# Gender Roles and Marriage in Laughing Boy

> Theme guide for Laughing Boy by Oliver La Farge.

The book examines Navajo marital customs, the balance of power between husband and wife, and the expectations placed on women, as Slim Girl challenges traditional roles while also seeking a 'perfect life' within Navajo norms.

## Where it surfaces

- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii): The girl's assertive behavior in pulling Laughing Boy to dance and her low forfeit challenge traditional gender expectations.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i): The chapter depicts traditional Navajo marital roles, including hair-brushing and domestic duties, while also showing Slim Girl's agency in planning their economic future.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i): Slim Girl's struggle to weave reflects her effort to fulfill the traditional female role in Navajo marriage, despite her discomfort.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i): The chapter explores traditional marital expectations, including the possibility of taking a second wife, and the challenges of domestic companionship.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/themes/gender_roles_and_marriage
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/themes