Masculinities In Sinclair Lewis’s Dodsworth

Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951), the first American writer to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in American history, is reputed for his realistic works especially those written in the early twentieth century, which embody the social changes in the transitional period. As one of Lewis’s masterpieces, Dodsworth has not caught much attention of the researchers as its contemporaries such as Main Street and Babbitt. But it can not be denied, as one of Lewis’s best novels in his golden age of writing, Dodsworth is worth deep studies on its contents and themes.Dodsworth is a story of a manhood-wounded man who decides, during his trip to Europe with his wife after retirement, to develop manhood for himself. The reconstruction of Dodsworth’s masculinity is in conformity with R. W. Connell’s masculinity theory. Connell insists that masculinities are never static, but socially constructed in practice. She divides masculinities into several types, namely hegemony, complicity, marginalization and so on. The novel reflects Dodsworth’s reconstruction from hegemonic masculinity to marginalized masculinity then to complicit masculinity. So, under the direction of Connell’s masculinity theory, this thesis will study the reconstruction of the protagonist’s masculinity. By doing it, this thesis can further discuss how men in the 1920s should face the series of changes of social structures and gender relations to become a "real man".This thesis consists of three parts. The first part is introduction on Sinclair Lewis, Dodsworth, literature review on Dodsworth, Connell’s masculinity theory and the significance of the thesis.The second part is the body of the thesis. This part focuses on three aspects:the construction of Dodsworth’s hegemonic masculinity in America, the formation of Dodsworth’s marginalized masculinity in travel and the reconstruction of Dodsworth’s complicit masculinity in Italy. Hegemonic masculinity is identified as the dominant form of masculinity within a given society or culture at a specific point of time. In America, the hegemonic form of masculinity is characterized as exertion of power and dominance over women and family, being aggressive, strong and tough, not showing emotion, and seeking out successes. Dodsworth’s American hegemonic masculinity is constructed by his identity as a football player in college and a successful automobile manufacturer. Male-dominated leisure activities also contribute to the construction of his hegemony. However, hegemonic masculinity is a configuration of gender practices that are constantly in motion. Different cultures boost different kinds of hegemonic masculinity. Traveling abroad, Dodsworth’s American hegemonic masculinity is marginalized by the comparison with European man, the loss of discursive power and the cracked friendship. The reconstruction of the complicit masculinity is achieved by the reconciliation with European culture, the relocation of career goals and the pursuing of a harmonious gender relationship. Complicity is vital to the reconstruction of identity and gender relations.The last part is conclusion. The reconstruction of complicit masculinity in Dodsworth reflects Lewis’s understanding on American men, women and gender relations, which is of great significance to American males in the transitional period.