Male Identity In David Malouf's Remembering Babylon

Introduction David Malouf is a prominent author of Australian literature. The present research is a study of male identity in David Malouf’s Remembering Babylon. The men reflected in Remembering Babylon (1993) reveal the Australian ethos, social milieu, and cultural realities of the period when they were being written. As well, his novel elaborates the description of the men’s lives, and identity in the Australian society. Although research on men has a long history, within the last 20 years there has been increasing research interest in men, masculinity and the male experience. The present study of male identity revolves around the male in general, society, culture, characteristics of male and different approaches for understanding the male identity as well as what is the identity, …show more content…
Lachlan and the relationship he has with Gemmy serve to show the power each holds over the other. Lachlan uses Gemmy as a means to take charge of Gemmy and brings him back to the village. In the village as a native boy, Lachlan dominates over Gemmy and tries to catch the attention of townspeople though he is a child. It shows that each boy always wants to become a real man. Lachlan’s male identity reflects when he brings Gemmy in the village, at the time of playing a game and with the relationship of Gemmy. At the time of game playing, he forced to his female cousins to join in that shows his male dominance over the female. Janet and Lachlan’s relationship are also based on the male female identity. Lachlan holds a stick over Gemmy as a gun is showed Lachlan’s position of power. Lachlan has a highly influenced by his community and this show through his masculine traits. Though other people think that Gemmy has dumb, unintelligent and unmanly boy, he shows his masculine power later in the