Feminizing the Masculine Identity: Losing the Man Card
The meaning of ideas can change over time, with the differing values of each generation. Which makes Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises a timeless classic with its relatable content and characters. The novel does not go into many details, thus leaving many parts of it to interpretation. We know the novel begins in the middle of a normal life after war. However, we also know that in a way this novel represents Hemingway’s life and experiences. Ernest Hemingway was considered the masculine man, after going through the war. Hemingway projects himself through Jake Barnes, his protagonist, of what masculinity is. And Harvey Mansfield’s Manliness states that the traditional core features of masculinity …show more content…
Onderdonk argues in his paper that “the novel frames feminization as a universal condition for men…[and] making how one reacts to feminization the central issue” (66). This idea can be defined as the loss of male autonomy, wherein feminization metaphorically represents men subjected to treatments similar to women in terms of “shameful passivity or disempowerment” (Onderdonk, 61). Richard Fantina’s article further supports this identity for Jake when he argues that Jake’s “sexual desire is at odds with traditional masculine identification” due to his impotence (94). Additionally, he argues that Jake only performs the role of traditional masculinity, but his sexual performance “subverts this paradigm,” in that the woman “[possesses] the phallus so he can receive it” (Fantina, 94). In short words, Jake is on the receiving end of sexual relationships. However, Fantina points out that Jake recovers his phallus in that he has Brett, unlike the complete men who desired her (96). He also elaborates about the idea of heterosexual sodomy in the novel, in how Jake could receive while Brett gives; even though sodomy relates to homosexuality. But Hemingway’s true commitment to masculinity, kept the details strictly within heterosexual boundaries (Fantina 94). Thus, impotence may …show more content…
The role of economy, in the exchanging of values, empowers Jake’s masculinity by using money to compensate for his impotence. An article by Jacob Leland talks about the meticulous research done over Jake’s expenses, based on his four checks that were drawn in Chapter 4 of the novel. It states that money is of importance and Jake spends an extravagant amount, not on gaining things “but to establish his social position, to define his relationship with other people” (Leland 2). For example, in chapter 19 he states that “if you want people to like you you only have to spend a little money” (237). This idea strengthens Jake’s beliefs that control of economy and money provide him with power and relationships. He makes use of this consumerist attitude with creating a “particular identity as a gentleman and aficionado” (Leland 2). Another example of how Jake uses money to support his “masculine identity” is through his date with Georgette. He pays for Georgette, including her ride home, a ruse to keep up an appearance that he can attract girls. This action provides him with an outwardly masculine image, despite his impotence. In a similar way, whenever Brett needs help, Jake aids with money or rescues her from her dates; and in return she gives him attention different than that of other men (Leland 3). Leland further states that Jake “[overpays] for an expression or performance in
The meaning of ideas can change over time, with the differing values of each generation. Which makes Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises a timeless classic with its relatable content and characters. The novel does not go into many details, thus leaving many parts of it to interpretation. We know the novel begins in the middle of a normal life after war. However, we also know that in a way this novel represents Hemingway’s life and experiences. Ernest Hemingway was considered the masculine man, after going through the war. Hemingway projects himself through Jake Barnes, his protagonist, of what masculinity is. And Harvey Mansfield’s Manliness states that the traditional core features of masculinity …show more content…
Onderdonk argues in his paper that “the novel frames feminization as a universal condition for men…[and] making how one reacts to feminization the central issue” (66). This idea can be defined as the loss of male autonomy, wherein feminization metaphorically represents men subjected to treatments similar to women in terms of “shameful passivity or disempowerment” (Onderdonk, 61). Richard Fantina’s article further supports this identity for Jake when he argues that Jake’s “sexual desire is at odds with traditional masculine identification” due to his impotence (94). Additionally, he argues that Jake only performs the role of traditional masculinity, but his sexual performance “subverts this paradigm,” in that the woman “[possesses] the phallus so he can receive it” (Fantina, 94). In short words, Jake is on the receiving end of sexual relationships. However, Fantina points out that Jake recovers his phallus in that he has Brett, unlike the complete men who desired her (96). He also elaborates about the idea of heterosexual sodomy in the novel, in how Jake could receive while Brett gives; even though sodomy relates to homosexuality. But Hemingway’s true commitment to masculinity, kept the details strictly within heterosexual boundaries (Fantina 94). Thus, impotence may …show more content…
The role of economy, in the exchanging of values, empowers Jake’s masculinity by using money to compensate for his impotence. An article by Jacob Leland talks about the meticulous research done over Jake’s expenses, based on his four checks that were drawn in Chapter 4 of the novel. It states that money is of importance and Jake spends an extravagant amount, not on gaining things “but to establish his social position, to define his relationship with other people” (Leland 2). For example, in chapter 19 he states that “if you want people to like you you only have to spend a little money” (237). This idea strengthens Jake’s beliefs that control of economy and money provide him with power and relationships. He makes use of this consumerist attitude with creating a “particular identity as a gentleman and aficionado” (Leland 2). Another example of how Jake uses money to support his “masculine identity” is through his date with Georgette. He pays for Georgette, including her ride home, a ruse to keep up an appearance that he can attract girls. This action provides him with an outwardly masculine image, despite his impotence. In a similar way, whenever Brett needs help, Jake aids with money or rescues her from her dates; and in return she gives him attention different than that of other men (Leland 3). Leland further states that Jake “[overpays] for an expression or performance in