Mr Elliot Masculinity

The use of feminine symbols throughout the short story of “Mr. and Mrs. Elliot” helps categorized which gender category Mr. Elliot fits in as he gravitates towards feminine traits. In the nineteenth century, having masculinity was associated with “aggression, the desire to conquer, and worldly achievements were among them.” While, femininity was seen as one with the traits of “nurturing, staying at home, enjoying leisure” (Domotor 2). Throughout the short story Hemingway includes symbols to show where Mr. Elliot fits into these categories of masculine and femininity. Mr. Elliot continuously proved to have multiple traits that were not masculine. One of them being his attachment to his mother. The idea of motherhood and bearing children is a symbol of femininity because of the expectation

However, Mr. Elliot does not take this masculine route of not attaching himself to his mother as readers learn he is very much attached to his mother. For instance, Mr. Elliot’s mother “cried when he brought Cornelia home after their marriage” (Hemingway 86). Mr. Elliot’s mother being upset that there is another woman in his life already hints at their relationship being unusual and not masculine. Mr. Elliot continues his attachment to his mother throughout his marriage as when they were traveling, Hemingway purposely writes that they “Next day they called his mother” (Hemingway 87). This was a small detail in their adventures yet it was mentioned and this can be a way to emphasize Mr. Elliot’s attachment to his mother. Even an idea of an Oedipus complex, attraction to the parent of the opposite sex, can be argued because Cornelia is so much older than Mr. Elliot, so he marries an older woman like his mother. Overall, the symbol of a mother and Mr. Elliot’s attachment to the idea of his mother shows how he takes on a more feminine than masculine