Traditionally, male heroes in Western novels are expected to adhere to a certain masculine stereotype. However in Max Brand’s “The Ghost," the male hero possesses mainly feminine qualities and fulfills both male and female gender roles. This complex protagonist suggests Max Brand is exploring a new idea of what makes a man. In doing so Brand discourages the codes of hegemonic masculinity, and uses positive feminine qualities in order to create a new breed of male hero, who displays feminine qualities, and uses them to dominate the traditional male cowboy.
Within the text, there are clear distinctions between what’s considered masculine and what’s considered feminine. In the stories beginning, both Silver Pete and the Ghost are displayed …show more content…
In doing this, Brand is suggesting that gaining respect, and becoming a western heroin doesn 't necessarily involve masculinity, but rather your ability to take control using the qualities you possess. The text challenges the patriarchal ideology of masculinity by suggesting that being a man does not rely on being violent, quiet, and emotionless. Instead, it suggests that a feminine hero can dominate all other men. Geraldine asks questions, and makes wise, planned decisions. This intelligence, and careful thought is what separates the Ghost from others; it is what makes him so elusive, and tricky to catch.
Traditionally, male stereotypes are glorified and considered superior in westerns. However “The Ghost” challenges those ideals and introduces a different type of male ideal.
The Ghost, who embodies everything masculine, in fact, adheres to female roles and stereotypes. He uses these feminine qualities to become a man of legend; one who can’t be dominated. A literary critique of “The Ghost" suggests that masculinity isn 't based on whether you adhere to traditional masculine gender rolls. Instead, it is dependent on how you dominate a situation. Brand suggests that traditional masculinity can be easily outsmarted by feminine thinking, and that there is no set mold for what makes a
Within the text, there are clear distinctions between what’s considered masculine and what’s considered feminine. In the stories beginning, both Silver Pete and the Ghost are displayed …show more content…
In doing this, Brand is suggesting that gaining respect, and becoming a western heroin doesn 't necessarily involve masculinity, but rather your ability to take control using the qualities you possess. The text challenges the patriarchal ideology of masculinity by suggesting that being a man does not rely on being violent, quiet, and emotionless. Instead, it suggests that a feminine hero can dominate all other men. Geraldine asks questions, and makes wise, planned decisions. This intelligence, and careful thought is what separates the Ghost from others; it is what makes him so elusive, and tricky to catch.
Traditionally, male stereotypes are glorified and considered superior in westerns. However “The Ghost” challenges those ideals and introduces a different type of male ideal.
The Ghost, who embodies everything masculine, in fact, adheres to female roles and stereotypes. He uses these feminine qualities to become a man of legend; one who can’t be dominated. A literary critique of “The Ghost" suggests that masculinity isn 't based on whether you adhere to traditional masculine gender rolls. Instead, it is dependent on how you dominate a situation. Brand suggests that traditional masculinity can be easily outsmarted by feminine thinking, and that there is no set mold for what makes a