Gender Stereotypes in Insert Flap A and Throw Away by S J Perelman

“Insert flap “A” and Throw Away” is a satirical essay in which author S.J Perelman humorously addresses the “gender role” stereotype, where men should be skilled with their hands, and woman the opposite. Perelman does this by describing a man who is tasked by his wife with the so-called “simple” process of putting together a toy delivery truck; and who, after countless hours of re-reading instructions and failed attempts, is eventually driven to the point of insanity out of frustration.

While it may seem that Perelman is telling an aimless story about a self-conscious man unable to assemble a toy truck, he is not. His purpose in writing processes substance and contains a more complex message; one that is infrequent and against common societal belief. Although somewhat abstract due to the essay”s satirical tone, Perelman is speaking against societies biased opinion on masculinity, and the “assumed” gender role of males. This is primarily evident in the last line of the essay, when the doctor enlisted to treat Perelman’s lack of masculinity (or insanity in the author’s eyes) prescribes him a dosage of “fifteen of the white tablets every four hours”, and tells his wife to “give him a detective story…or better still, a nice, soothing picture puzzle- something he can do with his hands.

Throughout the essay, Perelman uses a sardonic tone in order to develop and advance the overall theme and purpose. For example, when carelessly showing his children how to assemble the delivery truck, he tells them that their “father won’t always be around” to help.

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However, they are not easily fooled as they’re fully aware of their father’s inability to perform the task, causing them to cunningly counter with “where are you going to be.”

Due to the satirical nature and rather eccentric writing of “insert Flap A and Throw away” it may seem as if there is no theme to the essay; however, Perelman’s writing style is a clever ruse in order to disguise the true message of the essay. Although humorous and seemingly pointless as satire often is, Perelman is teaching to the readers a lesson about society and diversity, where men should not be confounded by the boundaries of gender stereotypes and close-mindedness.

Although Perelman’s style of writing makes it difficult for the reader to interpret the overall essence of the essay, it is nonetheless a remarkable essay. Through the use of satire and relatable themes, “Insert Flap “A” and Throw Away” addresses a real life problem from the past, as well as the present.