Forged By Fire

Throughout the novel, the character’s clothing is often described. Each character has a relationship to their clothing, which reveals aspects of their personality. When Jordan first appears, he is wearing “shiny black cowboy boots with pointed toes and fancy stitching on the leather” (35). His cowboy boots are continually highlighted throughout the novel as a symbol of his toughness and masculinity. However, at the end of the novel, after he kicks Gerald “with the steel toe of his cowboy boots,” his cowboy boots make him slip, causing him to collapse during the house fire, leading to his downfall (150).

In stark contrast to Jordan, Mr. Washington is described as a better and more responsible man because he is one of those “black men in blue suits who had jobs in offices downtown” (74). Mr. Washington represents a different form of masculinity. He is a caring and dedicated father, whereas Jordan is selfish, abusive, and violent.

When Angel is first introduced, she is described as wearing a “long-sleeved dress that was too big for her and, even though it was hot, long black tights” (36). Angel’s body is almost completely covered, emphasizing the motif of Angel’s relationship with her body throughout the novel. She tends to make herself small and hide her true feelings as well as her bruises out of shame and self-blame.

Monique’s outfits are often described. It is implied that she cares a lot about her image and how she is perceived. For instance, during the trial, “she insisted on wearing a bright red satin dress even through Gerald and Angel told her to wear something a little more business-looking” (80). In response to her children, she expressed her desire for Jordan to see her “lookin’ good” before he goes to prison and goes “down to the bathroom six times in half an hour to check her makeup and hair” (80). Monique’s attachment to her clothes and appearance is a response to her need for Jordan’s validation and attention.