Graceling: Male vs Female Always Continuing

As I think about Graceling and continue to read and go back to areas I have marked in the novel there is one area that has been on my mind and would like to discuss.I find it interesting when Katsa and Po fight each other and it is clear that Katsa has beatin the crap out of Po (89) because he physically looks horrific, Katsa still tells him it was a draw. There are a few reasons why I think this happens. First I really think she is being so humble because Po is this very great fighter and Katsa doesn't want him to feel less or worse because he is a man that just got dominated by a women. Po really doesn't care that he lost to her but is very appologetic when Giddon notices the cut on her precious beautiful face. I think another reason Katsa states that it was a draw is because this way maybe she will be able to fight with Po in the future. It kinda keeps that door open.

I have a real problem with Giddon on these couple of pages. This is really the area of the book that I started to dislike his character. When Giddon takes one look at Katsa and sees that Po has damaged her face he automatically thinks it was from Po being too rough and trying to hurt Katsa. Even though Giddon is a wimp compared to Katsa he is going to try to kick Po's ass and stand up for his precious Katsa. This is bullshit and it makes Giddon totally look like a dork. Katsa sees right through him and is extremely angry that she has to sit and watch Giddon try to defend her when he knows there is no need to deffend her. I think this hurts Giddons pride deep down and because he wants to marry Katsa he more or less peacocks when Po comes into the scene. It is really a good example of character difference, Po is very mellow, patient, humble and has nothing to proove all this makes him a very positive exciting character. Giddon is insecure of his strength because he really doesn't like that Katsa is stronger than he. Giddon is quick to puff up and defend Katsa because that is how he shows he cares...the man protects innocent, naieve helpless women...yuck! This really makes me loose respect for Giddon. I also see his behavior as very stiffiling to Katsa and controlling.