Sissy vs "The American Boy"

Sissy is a unique story unlike any of our previous readings, that challenges the our previous concept of the “American boy” and the “American girl.” Kellogg uses Sissy to merge the division between the roles of boys and girls in early literature. Sissy engaged in activities that were previously reserved solely for women of the time period and represents a hybrid character that strays from the norm of 19th century literature. He possessed a girl's taste and delicacy and skill combined with a boy's physical strength and hardihood" (Kellogg 546). This idea is a complete contrast to the bold and adventurous characters we see in Tom Sawyer and Ragged Dick. Sissy would never accompany Dick on a night of whiskey drinking at The Old Bowery Theatre or go along with Tom in deceiving Aunt Polly.

In both Tom Sawyer and Sissy, our protagonist was raised without the presence of a fatherly figure, but each character handles this adversity differently. Sissy was focused on pleasing his mother and maintaining a close and loving relationship with her. On the contrary mischievous Tom views his motherly figure, Aunt Polly, as the disciplinarian and tries his hardest to defy her authority.

Throughout the story others accept Sissy for who he is even though he is so far from a typical boy in many respects. Kellogg uses language that illustrates Sissy as a kindhearted, gentle boy that is accepted by others despite his differences. This story conveys an underlying message encouraging people to be open to others rather than reject them for their differences.