The Role Of Sexuality In Maria Campbell's Autobiography 'Halfbreed'

One particular theme that has been very significant throughout Maria Campbell’s autobiography “Halfbreed” is the way gender and sexuality have affected her choices. Throughout her autobiography, she has been affected in several ways by her dad teaching her to work and hunt outdoors. Although her mother has tried countless times to have her act as a young lady, it’s evident Maria will never be the perfect young lady her mother hoped to have. Since she is exposed both to characteristics of both a girl and boy, which causes many to perceive her as a tomboy. One particular statement that clarifies that is the statement that she made on page 55 when she says her “Mom was a terrible hunter, but Daddy had trained me well” although she was a girl she …show more content…

If she had not been exposed to this type of behavior at Old Yes-Sant Arcand house, in the beginning, she would not have been so violent to others. Another event that shows were gender and sexuality played a big part in her life was on page 68 where she stated “Jamie and Robbie and I had to take over the responsibility of helping to raise our family” since she was the eldest of all the children. She felt the need to take on the role of taking care of the family until her dad was able to get his life together after the passing of his mother. Which did not play out well for Maria, she had to grow up faster and take on responsibilities that she was not obligated to do. But, instead of seeing it that way she was persistent in fulfilling the role of caring for her family, for her father’s sake. So, she hunted and worked to make money alongside with her brothers to make sure her family had food to