The World of Tomboys in Literature

Tomboys are a fascinating aspect of literary works that often blend traditions with bouts of exuberant play and mischievous pranks. These characters are renowned for their independence and preference for activities typically associated with boys, creating unique narratives that challenge societal norms. Two notable examples of such literature include Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink and the Ramona Quimby series by Beverly Cleary. This exploration will uncover how these tomboies pull off funny but memorable pranks in the context of their stories.

The World of Caddie Woodlawn

Caddie Woodlawn, written by Carol Ryrie Brink, is a classic novel set in the mid-19th century. The protagonist, Caddie, is a red-headed tomboy who serves as the narrator of her adventures. Born into a family that values independence and freedom, Caddie was allowed more opportunities to run with her brothers rather than following the more traditional path of a young girl. Caddie Woodlawn is a coming-of-age story, but it is also rich with pranks and mischievous acts that test social norms and expectations.

Pranks in Caddie Woodlawn

One of the most memorable pranks in Caddie Woodlawn involves a cousin, who is described as being from the city and more traditionally feminine. Caddie and her brothers play a particularly devilish trick. They encourage the cousin to perform summersaults around the barn, which are intended to be impressive. Once the cousin wears herself out from the exertion, the pranksters place an egg at the back of her dress. When the cousin finally has a moment to rest, the impulse to do another somersault leads to a dramatic scene. The egg in her dress inevitably breaks, smashing against her head, and she is left with a damaged dress.

This prank is just one example of how Caddie and her brothers use their creativity to play tricks on the city-raised cousin, highlighting the stark contrast between their rural, boisterous lifestyle and that of the visiting cousin. Other pranks, such as causing the sheep to devour all of the cousin's expensive buttons, further illustrate the whimsical and often innocent mischief that typifies Caddie and her brothers' pranks.

The Adventures of Ramona Quimby

Focusing specifically on Beverly Cleary's For Undercover Bag Snatching and Other Indecent Acts, the Ramona Quimby series also features a tomboy-like character. Unlike Caddie Woodlawn, Ramona does not have brothers, but she is close friends with boys in her neighborhood and often engages in mischievous pranks with them. In one instance, Ramona and her friends decide to crack an egg on someone's head, mistaking it for a hard-boiled egg. They are caught in the act of hiding the egg, revealing the prank’s true nature.

The setting of Ramona Quimby series is the mid-1900s, similar to Caddie Woodlawn, and the pranks mainly revolve around the rural and suburban environments of the characters. Ramona's pranks, although often innocent and carefree, challenge the idea of what it means to be a girl and a tomboy in the context of the times.

Pranks in the Ramona Quimby Series

Another example from The Ramona Quimby, Age 8 involves a game of hide-and-seek with an older cousin. The cousins, typically more demure and proper, are occasionally caught up in these pranks. In this particular instance, the cousins are playing hide-and-seek in a barn. Ramona, playing the game with her boy friend, her neighbor, gets creative with the hiding spots. One such hide spot involves being inside the hay. The prank involves secretly placing an egg in a risky and somewhat dangerous hiding location. When the boy friend playfully moves the hay to check on Ramona, the egg inevitably breaks, resulting in a humorous and slightly chaotic scene.

Similarly, in the context of the pranks involving the cousins, a trope often seen in these stories is the mixing of traditional and unconventional behaviors. Ramona’s reluctance to conform to the expected submissive roles of the time, particularly with her cousin, reflects a broader theme of the blurring of gender roles in early 20th century American society.

Reflections on Tomboys in Literature

Both Caddie Woodlawn and the Ramona Quimby series explore the adventures and pranks of tomboy characters. These stories not only entertain but also provide a window into historical settings where gender roles were more rigid. The pranks these characters engage in help to illustrate the tension between conforming to societal expectations and embracing one’s individuality.

In conclusion, tomboy characters in literature like Caddie Woodlawn and Ramona Quimby bring a sense of adventure and mischief that resonates with readers. Their pranks challenge and blur the lines between what is traditionally expected of boys and girls, providing a rich tapestry of stories that explore themes of freedom, independence, and the complexity of traditional gender roles.