A Study On Evolution Of Male-female Relationship In Hemingway's War Novels From The Perspective Of Androgyny

Ernest Hemingway(1899-1961)has always been seen as a spokesman of male chauvinism and the stereotypical notion of masculinity.However,as more and more scholars are paying increasing attention to the female characters and gender issues in Hemingway's works,it is found that Hemingway is much concerned about the situations and feelings of his female characters,especially the construction of a successful and harmonious male-female relationship.In his works,he seems eager to explore how masculinity and femininity interact and influence within individuals as well as between male and female.This thesis intends to make an in-depth study on the male-female relationships and the evolution of male-female relationships in Hemingway's three war novels from the perspective of androgyny.Based on Androgyny theory,the thesis reveals that in Hemingway's three war novels,there is a close relationship between the state of masculinity and femininity and the male-female relationship.In The Sun Also Rises,Hemingway presents the coexistence of masculinity and femininity within individuals as well as between male and female.Jake's acceptance of femininity and Brett's persistence in masculinity make them approach each other with androgynous minds,while they are rejected by the traditional values.In A Farewell to Arms,he seems to attempt to reconcile masculinity and femininity,for which he creates a more reliable loving sexual relationship between Henry and Catherine,both of whom also experience the evolution of sole idiosyncrasy to androgyny.Lastly,in Hemingway's third war novel For Whom the Bell Tolls,Hemingway integrates masculinity and femininity within individuals as well as between male and female,making Jordan and Maria become a true unity,which even death can not destroy since they see their partner as a part of themselves.With such detailed analysis,the final conclusion has been made: Hemingway also believes that androgyny is the best state of individuals as well as male-female relationship.In these three war novels,he successfully portrays three pairs of characters with androgynous minds and reveals how masculinity and femininity interact within individuals as well as between male and female.Thus,it is proved that Hemingway is also a writer with androgynous mind.