Bryanna Jones

Bryanna 1

Professor Cardoza
Portland - UNST 107K
26 January 2016

Response
Identify three themes concerning hierarchical relationships in the first two chapters of
Stumptown.
One of the first themes in the comic was abuse of power. During the portion when
the PA, Dex Parios is talking to Sue Lynn (the head of the casino). Sue-Lynne abuses her position
when she asks Parios to find her granddaughter. Sue-Lynne says she will, waive her debt to
the casino (pg.20). However, the money is not just owed to Sue-Lynne, it is also owed to the
whole Indian Reservation.
Another theme is corruption of government. In chapter one the Parios is brought in to
talk to Hector Marenco. He repeatedly asks if she knows who he is. It is revealed that she knows
a little too much about him including that he is, tight with city government in Portland, and
nothing passes the city councilwithout your blessing (pg.33). This shows that he is believed
to be higher than the ones actually in control and either gets his way through violence or bribery.
A theme is represented again in chapter two when Isabel Marenco comes to Parioss
apartment. After trying to find out what Parios was doing at her fathers house and if she was
working for him, Parios reveals that he asked her to, do something for him (pg.63) and asks
Isabel why she doesnt just ask her father. Isabel says her, father doesnt talk about his
business to meHes somewhat old-fashioned in that regard (pg. 63). This shows a parent over
child relationship and man over woman mind set. Her father is in control of what she can and

Bryanna 2
cannot do which limits her choices of what to do with her life. It also shows that he believes men
and women are not equal and some jobs are just for men.

Bryanna Jones

Bryanna 1

Professor Cardoza
Portland - UNST 107K
26 January 2016
Bibliography

Rucka, Greg, and Matthew Southworth. Stumptown. Vol. 1. Portland, OR: Oni, 2013. Print.