Wall-E Gender Roles

Gender Coding and Relationship Structure in Wall-E
Disney Pixar’s Wall-E has a unique concept that makes it ripe for feminist critique. The movie centers around a romance between two robots, Wall-E and EVE. The theme of robots learning to love is nothing new, but such idea are usually platonic, involve humans, or are meant to play around the division between man and machine. In Wall-E, none of these apply. The movie is entirely about the development and dynamic of the romantic relationship. This poses an immediate incongruency because, as robots, neither characters have a sex.
In our heteronormative society, sex informs a majority of the role and dynamic expectations in relationships. Men are expected to be dominant, while women are expected to be submissive. These beliefs create roles filled by men and women, within which there are designated responsibilities. It’s the man’s job to make the first move, to initiate the first kiss, and to propose for example. Meanwhile, it is the women’s role to respond to these advancements appropriately, to be loyal and nurturing, etc. Overall, these roles create a common dynamic in heterosexual relationships where the man acts or gives and the woman reacts and receives. The impact of these expectations is seen in

Wall-E’s job is to collect trash, but they are special because they stops to collect cute items like lights and music. Wall-E is romantic. They’re favorite movie is “Hello Dolly.” They take EVE on boat rides, laser beams hearts with their names in it, and use romantic music to try and seduce EVE. Wall-E sees beauty in everything, even EVE while surrounded by fire and destruction. They are motivated by making a connection with someone else and the plot is furthered by Wall-E’s interactions with other characters. Wall-E is shy, seen by him practicing social interactions. They’re clumsy, easily saddened, and shown repeatedly to be physically weak. Their goal is to hold EVE’s