This paper is about the model of masculinity exhibited in the African American novelist Frank Yerby＇s historical novel The Dahomean （1971） which is a classic text for masculinity study but has been ignored. In a fl...This paper is about the model of masculinity exhibited in the African American novelist Frank Yerby＇s historical novel The Dahomean （1971） which is a classic text for masculinity study but has been ignored. In a flash-back narration, the novel tells us the legendary experience of Nyasanu in Africa before he becomes a slave in the south of America, portrays a well-rounded and authentic Black male character, and constructs a model of masculinity of great value for reference. The model of masculinity demonstrated by Nyasanu is no longer limited by the rigid and unitary stipulations of traditional gender concept. It is a model which integrates tenderness into toughness, combines physical power or military prowess with mental power or wisdom, and most importantly, a model that stresses men＇s agency and authenticity. At the same time, by the resentment of war and cherishement of life, this model of masculinity exhibits considerable ethical dimension and humanitarianism. It can be said that the model of masculinity inscribed in The Dahornean is of much enlightening importance for contemporary people to reflect upon the patriarchal culture and prevalent gender notions such as gender role concept. As for people＇s pursueing and constructing their ideal masculinity, the model of masculinity embodied in The Dahomean can be an important model for reference.展开更多
文摘This paper is about the model of masculinity exhibited in the African American novelist Frank Yerby＇s historical novel The Dahomean （1971） which is a classic text for masculinity study but has been ignored. In a flash-back narration, the novel tells us the legendary experience of Nyasanu in Africa before he becomes a slave in the south of America, portrays a well-rounded and authentic Black male character, and constructs a model of masculinity of great value for reference. The model of masculinity demonstrated by Nyasanu is no longer limited by the rigid and unitary stipulations of traditional gender concept. It is a model which integrates tenderness into toughness, combines physical power or military prowess with mental power or wisdom, and most importantly, a model that stresses men＇s agency and authenticity. At the same time, by the resentment of war and cherishement of life, this model of masculinity exhibits considerable ethical dimension and humanitarianism. It can be said that the model of masculinity inscribed in The Dahornean is of much enlightening importance for contemporary people to reflect upon the patriarchal culture and prevalent gender notions such as gender role concept. As for people＇s pursueing and constructing their ideal masculinity, the model of masculinity embodied in The Dahomean can be an important model for reference.
