Marc Feigen Fasteau stated “The male stereotype makes masculinity not just a fact of biology but something that must be proved and re-proved, a continual quest for an ever-receding Holy Grail”. Throughout history men have always searched for what it truly means to be a masculine man, especially in America. Understanding and researching the true meaning of being a man can be deciphered in the American literature we read today. By reading The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, and Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain it becomes easier to understand this ongoing question. These American authors reinforce high masculinity standards through their use of tough, strong, and wealthy stereotypes.
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As seen through Myrtle’s actions she is attracted to the more masculine characters on the novel as she shouts,‘Daisy! Daisy! Daisy!’ shouted Mrs. Wilson. ‘I’ll say it whenever I want to! Daisy! Dai——‘ Making a short deft movement Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand. (Fitzgerald 41) Already declared the toughest man in the novel Tom is unafraid to raise his hand and beat not only his wife but his mistress lover as well. He declares his mark and his territory and shows no remorse to damaging not only a man but woman's face when he dislikes the way he is spoken to. Myrtle, not obligated to Tom, makes no effort to leave this abusive relationship because she is drawn to the masculinity that Tom possess. When conversing with her husband, a less masculine man than Tom, she says to him, “‘Beat me!’ he heard her cry. ‘Throw me down and beat me, you dirty little coward!’”(Fitzgerald 146). Not only does Myrtle beg for her Husband to show a sign of physical strength but she puts him down by calling him a coward for not doing so. Because Wilson is unable to show his strength he is declared a coward and his masculinity is lowered. Although Wilson is not strong enough to beat his wife, one of the Bravos, Crack, is easily able to retaliate. While discussing the war with a man named Travis, this fan claimed that homosexuals participating in the war are the …show more content…
Throughout America, and from what we read in American literature, women play a huge roll in masculinity;, the more attractive and in love the women is with the someone, the more of a man they are. While fighting over Daisy’s love, Tom embedly win her over by arguing with Gatsby, “‘I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife. Well, if that’s the idea you can count me out…” (Fitzgerald 138) Tom, as states before, is the masculine in the novel because of his power wealth and strength. When Gatsby threatens to take his wife Tom revolts. He takes away Gatsby’s manhood by claiming he is Mr. Nobody and from nowhere. Since Gatsby lived in West Egg and was considered “new money” Tom did not see him as wealthy as the men living in East Egg, who are old money or born rich. Tom did not recognize Gatsby as a wealthy man therefore he was unworthy of gaining the power to take away Tom’s wife Daisy. If Gatsby was successful, Tom’s manliness would have been lowered and so would his power. Tom stayed in charge of the situation and promoting his wealth to Daisy made her stay with him and not Gatsby. A similar situation occurred in Billy Lynn’s life, yet he was concerned he was not wealthy or powerful enough for a cheerleader while Tom was certain he was. Billy Lynn fell in love with a Cowboys
As seen through Myrtle’s actions she is attracted to the more masculine characters on the novel as she shouts,‘Daisy! Daisy! Daisy!’ shouted Mrs. Wilson. ‘I’ll say it whenever I want to! Daisy! Dai——‘ Making a short deft movement Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand. (Fitzgerald 41) Already declared the toughest man in the novel Tom is unafraid to raise his hand and beat not only his wife but his mistress lover as well. He declares his mark and his territory and shows no remorse to damaging not only a man but woman's face when he dislikes the way he is spoken to. Myrtle, not obligated to Tom, makes no effort to leave this abusive relationship because she is drawn to the masculinity that Tom possess. When conversing with her husband, a less masculine man than Tom, she says to him, “‘Beat me!’ he heard her cry. ‘Throw me down and beat me, you dirty little coward!’”(Fitzgerald 146). Not only does Myrtle beg for her Husband to show a sign of physical strength but she puts him down by calling him a coward for not doing so. Because Wilson is unable to show his strength he is declared a coward and his masculinity is lowered. Although Wilson is not strong enough to beat his wife, one of the Bravos, Crack, is easily able to retaliate. While discussing the war with a man named Travis, this fan claimed that homosexuals participating in the war are the …show more content…
Throughout America, and from what we read in American literature, women play a huge roll in masculinity;, the more attractive and in love the women is with the someone, the more of a man they are. While fighting over Daisy’s love, Tom embedly win her over by arguing with Gatsby, “‘I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife. Well, if that’s the idea you can count me out…” (Fitzgerald 138) Tom, as states before, is the masculine in the novel because of his power wealth and strength. When Gatsby threatens to take his wife Tom revolts. He takes away Gatsby’s manhood by claiming he is Mr. Nobody and from nowhere. Since Gatsby lived in West Egg and was considered “new money” Tom did not see him as wealthy as the men living in East Egg, who are old money or born rich. Tom did not recognize Gatsby as a wealthy man therefore he was unworthy of gaining the power to take away Tom’s wife Daisy. If Gatsby was successful, Tom’s manliness would have been lowered and so would his power. Tom stayed in charge of the situation and promoting his wealth to Daisy made her stay with him and not Gatsby. A similar situation occurred in Billy Lynn’s life, yet he was concerned he was not wealthy or powerful enough for a cheerleader while Tom was certain he was. Billy Lynn fell in love with a Cowboys