Masculinity In To Kill A Mockingbird

Up until now, masculinity has been defined by a certain set of guidelines described well by Joe Ehrmann. The first of them is “billfold”, which refers to monetary gain and how much money someone makes as a way to describe if they are successful. The next is “ballfield”, which talks about athleticism and how those who can do more physically should be seen as better as someone else. The final description is “bedroom” and is very objectifying to women because it thinks of those who have many partners in ben to be the most popular. Society has believed that this is what a “man” needs to be happy and to be successful. What many believe now as true masculinity is whether you loved and have been loved by the people in your life and making more meaningful …show more content…
Instead of worrying about his financial future he stands up for what he believes in defense of the innocent. His priorities are on doing the right thing and to remain a figure that is pure from bribes. Even though his wife died a long time ago he still has not re-married. He still has helped with his children from Calpurnia, though unlike other he treats her as a part of the family and doesn't allow her to be disrespected. He wants to pass these traits to his son, Jem, and his daughter, Scout. When Scout came home saying bad things one day he sat and explained why that was not acceptable to say. He allows Jem to play football while denying his request to play it himself so he can focus on what is important to him. He allows Boo Radley to gon on his way after saving his son even though it involved the murder of Bob Ewell. He shows the morals and priorities that true men should have in their life and keep close to the …show more content…
He shows one of the traits of false masculinity having monetary gain from working on new parts for many machines and still works for his own enjoyment. This in no way turns to boasting however and is just a part of his life. This is all in the balance of both sides of the coin having been with my grandmother for a very long time and staying happy only increasing the relationship with time. For me, he provides an example of having moderation and how to live a nice and happy life. When I think of times later in life that is what comes to mind and that feeling of content and happiness is what I am striving for in the back of my mind. We still have family calls to catch up regularly and visits are not uncommon. My acknowledgment of him would not be the same if contact was less frequent. I will always see him as a figure I can look up to and someone who I can talk