On The Representation Of Hegemonic Masculinity In The Octopus

Frank Norris(1870-1902) is a famous and prolific American writer at the turn of the century. Since he published a full-length novel McTeague in 1899, Norris has gained reputation in the literary world. And his works of pinnacle The Octopus-- the first work of “The Epic of the Wheat” makes him draw more public attention.Most early critics and scholars, interpreting The Octopus from its naturalism writing style, held that man was only dependency of natural and social forces, and could not show his own value and subjective force. Most of the protagonists are males, and masculinities are complicated and changeable, thus interpreting The Octopus can understand the social context of the time and Norris? composing intention better. But masculinity study about The Octopus so far only lingers on individual male roles? analysis. A comprehensive study on inspection of male characters and their masculinity in the novel is to be carried out. This paper is to borrow Connell?s hegemonic masculinity theory to explore the representation and reproduction in the novel. Connell?s masculinity theory stresses that masculinity is constructed in the social and historical practice. And only when masculinity?s “cultural ideal” and “institutional power” integrate, can hegemonic masculinity be established. Her theory highlights the multiplicity, dynamism and historicality of masculinity. This paper thinks that The Octopus expresses the representation, instability and imperfect reconstruction of several heroes? hegemonic masculinity, demonstrating that in the background of 19 th century America when market economy took place of agricultural economy gradually, hegemonic masculinity experienced unprecedented ordeals, changes and remodeling processes.This paper is divided into three parts: the first part elaborates hegemonic masculinity characterized by Magnus and Annixter alienates women Annie, Hilma and Angéle to the edge of the power center. But the first woman movement in the 19 th century impacts traditional hegemonic masculinity in some degree. Therefore, Norris reconstructs masculinity in order to make it reach the state of androgynism. The second part mainly analyzes the representation of “Genteel Patriarch” characterized by Magnus, challenges by the market economy impact and Norris? appreciation and reconstruction of Shelgrim?s Marketplace Manhood. The third part sets forth the process of violence?s illusive strengthening effect to Dyke, etc and enervating effect and Norris de-violences to reconstruct Presley?s masculinity.Interpreting The Octopus from the aspect of masculinity, we can find that alienation from women, political power and violence have bidirectional effect in constructing masculinity. Because of the era Norris lives in, his reconstruction attempts do not entirely succeed. This paper holds that the protagonists that Norris models who resist to their own fate demonstrates men?s will, and masculinity developing process conforms to the social development law of the time. Therefore, personal characters construction and the plot of The Octopus are internally consistent.