In Jesmyn Ward's Salvage the Bones, motherhood does not represent a biological relationship -- it represents a responsibility. For this reason, the role of a mother is fulfilled by various characters in the novel regardless of their gender or age. Overall, the image of the characters that take on motherly roles in the novel are all parallel to Mama. Although she is deceased, her legacy of bravery and responsibility continues to serve as a role model for the characters. But can the men in the novel truly fulfill a mother's role?
In the beginning of the novel, we learn that Mama died while giving birth to Junior when Ward writes, "Junior came out purple and blue as a hydrangea: Mama's last flower." (Ward 2) Thus, Mama's first characterization regards the sacrifices she has made for her children. This conveys that a child is a mother's biggest responsibility and that Mama valued Junior's life over her own. The example that Mama sets is one of martyrdom and love, dying for her child so that he may have the opportunity of a life. The other characters follow her example after she is not there to care for them. For instance, Daddy proceeds to fulfill the role of both a mother and a father for the family. Daddy is protective and does his best to keep the children safe on his own. When he hears that the hurricane is coming, safety for his family is his main concern. His wisdom is portrayed in comparison to the children when he spends a multitude of hours preparing for the storm and the children seem preoccupied by other interests. Ward writes, "Daddy kept counting the bottles over and over again as if he couldn't remember." (Ward 38) Ward's language demonstrates the stress that Daddy is under, being responsible for the safety of the entire family because he is the parent. He cannot seem to rest until he is sure that they are prepared for the hurricane. Additionally, the stress is intensified for Daddy because he is fulfilling both parental roles in the house and no longer has a wife to assist him. The parental situation of the family portrays that Mama's role as a mother was more important than her role as a wife-- she died for her children-- and that it is now up to Daddy to fulfill her position as well as his own.
Ward continues to detail the struggles of motherhood through Esch and her pregnancy. Although Esch's pregnancy comes to be because of Manny and Esch's unromantic sex, only Esch seems to struggle with the consequences. Ward expresses the hardship that Esch experiences through her pregnancy by writing, "This is what it means to be pregnant so far: throwing up. Sick from the moment I open my eyes, look up at the puckered plaster ceiling, remember who I am, where I am, and what I am." (Ward 37) Pregnancy changes who a mother is as a person through the struggles she experiences through childbearing. From the moment Esch realizes she is pregnant, she is defined by the life that's inside her. The questions that Esch asks herself are questions that regard self-definition. Esch is no longer who she used to be-- she is now a mother.
Motherhood in Salvage the Bones, however, is not only limited to people, as China also experiences a transition into motherhood. Her struggle portrays that motherhood is universal. Even as a dog, China fights for her offspring. She goes through labor and even experiences sickness after giving birth-- all sacrifices for her children. We also see Skeetah devoting himself completely to China, as she belongs to him, and he seems to take a motherly role in her life. However, Salvage the Bones makes it clear that a motherly role is difficult for a male to understand. Skeetah frustratedly states to China, "'Stop it, China.'....'Feed him.'" (Ward 40) In this scene, Skeetah does not understand the pain and struggles that accompany motherhood, as he simply orders China around unsympathetically and tries to force her to feed her offspring. Nonetheless, China is Skeetah's responsibility and he cares for her as best he can, even though he cannot fully understand the changes and pain that a woman's body undergoes through pregnancy. Both Esch and China, however, struggle in the same way that Mama did in terms of their pregnancies, displaying the pain that mothers in general endure to keep their children safe and the bond that connects women through childbirth.
At the end of the novel, tensions arise. Upon realizing that Esch is pregnant, "Daddy's face shuts, and he pushes." (Ward 234) Although he later regrets it, Daddy's initial reaction further conveys that men do not fully understand the fragility and hardship that pregnant women undergo. Not only was Daddy's push dangerous for both Esch and the baby, it was generally extremely insensitive to do such a thing. After pursuing such a difficult journey, including vigorous labor and even losing fingers to keep his children safe, at the first mention of birth and motherhood he is unable to contain himself. Essentially, Salvage the Bones conveys that although men can take on a motherly role, they cannot truly fulfill or understand it. Mama's example is only truly matched by the females in the novel, as they are put in the position to sacrifice themselves and their health for their children. Even after she's gone, Mama's legacy remains fully true to the girls and as much as possible to the boys-- a mother's heart always remains with her children.
