Thursday, April 17, 2008
we're men (MANLY MEN!) we're men in tights...
I do not agree that manly and sensitive are opposite- I think they can not only be compatible but they are often complimentary. There are plenty of men that can fit the definition of manliness... assertive, strong physically and mentally, and who has a drive to get things done, but they can still be kind and willing to connect on a personal level with people. Though I don't believe Eustace really fits that mold, he tries to in some ways. His long love letters and his passion can show that he could potentially be "sensitive" as Mansfield would put it (I don't really like that term), but his personality will not allow him to understand what other people feel. It isn't really because of being a man as much as just what his personality is like... and the stereotypes that follow men are great ammunition to feed the ego that he has. He already is dominating and controlling, but the old idea that manly men are SUPPOSED to be dominating and controlling makes him feel as though it is ok, so he doesn't do anything about it. Unfortunately for him, in modern day society it creates a lot of problems in relationships. Women do not want to be dominated or controlled, so he doesn't have a lot of success with women.
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2 comments:
I think you made some very good points, and I agree that manliness and sensitivity are not incompatible and that having both qualities is valuable. Eustice displays manliness because of the way he lives, but he shows a deep appreciation for nature, which I think shows some sensitivity. Eustice's sensitivity is not focused on people, which is why he can appear to be insensitive. His lack of sensitivity for other people makes relationships very difficult for him because he is so controlling.
i love the title of your blog! it mad me laugh. i agree with like everything you said. i think mansfield went a bit overboard with explaining the "manly" man and the "sensitive" man and how they are totally different extremes. because i do believe that there are "manly" men who can protect, support, and get things done, but can also reach women at their own level and be connected to their emotions. they are out there! and i think you got it right about eustace. he is more familiar with the traditional ways of men. and lifestyle that eustace is familiar with depicts the man as being the one to protect and control the wife. and i agree, he is in touch with his passion and his life, but its true that he cant really let go of all the control that he is so used to living with to reach another women personally.
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