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Masculinity In 'TOTS And Gil Junger's Ten Things'

371 Words2 Pages

The masculine archetypes in William Shakespeare’s “TOTS” and Gil Junger’s “10 Things” reveal evolving perspectives on masculine archetypes and power. In both texts, characters such as Petruchio, Patrick, and Joey Donner serve as conduits for exploring these themes. During the Elizabethan era, gender roles were strictly defined, with men expected to assert dominance over women. Shakespeare’s work reflects these expectations, while Junger reinterprets them for a modern audience, emphasizing mutual respect and emotional vulnerability. In “TOTS”, Shakespeare portrays male authority through characters like Petruchio and Gremio. Petruchio’s declaration, “I will be master of what is mine own: / She is my goods, my chattels; she is my house” (Act 3, Scene 2), …show more content…

These portrayals reflect societal norms where male dominance and control were paramount. Conversely, in 10 Things I Hate About You, Junger reimagines these themes through a postmodern lens. The film subverts traditional gender roles, presenting Patrick as a character who values respect and emotional connection over dominance. In the Affection scene, Patrick’s genuine concern for Kat contrasts sharply with Petruchio’s aggressive tactics. Close-up shots during the scene capture Patrick’s sincerity, and the soft lighting symbolizes a shift towards emotional vulnerability in modern masculinity. This approach marks a significant departure from the Elizabethan expectations of male behavior. Patrick’s gentle tone and the non-diegetic background music create an intimate atmosphere, underscoring the contrast with Petruchio’s authoritative commands. Patrick’s soft-spoken line, “Your eyes have a little green in them,” epitomizes this modern sensitivity, offering a stark contrast to the harshness seen in Shakespeare’s

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