One way you could answer your question is to think about the ways in which Edgar’s character already has much in common with customary representations of females.

You might discuss how Edgar’s inability to talk links to sexist norms that discount or marginalize the voices of women. You could also talk about how Edgar’s close relationship with animals corresponds to the ways in which women are historically represented as having a special kind of relationship with animals and nature. Whether it’s Pearl in The Scarlet Letter or any number of Disney princesses, there’s plenty of examples that support the supposed special commune between females and animals/nature.

If you support the above thesis, then you might argue that not much would change. However, if you look at other areas of Edgar’s life, then you might see where alterations could occur. You might want to think about how Edgar’s gender change would impact his relationship with his dad. You might wonder what would happen if the father-son relationship turned into a father-daughter relationship.

You could also focus on Edgar’s relationship with his mom. You might argue that a female Edgar might not have felt so protective of his mom. You could think about how Edgar’s masculinity might have informed his duty to safeguard his mom. If Edgar was a female, perhaps he wouldn’t feel such violent pressure to defend his mother from his uncle.