Chapter 3 – Male Masculinity in Indian Mythology, Literature and Mainstream Media Feminists believe that it is the early stages of a child’s social and biological development that can plays an important key factor in imposing and creating set assigned gender roles to young boys and girls. From the beginning, birth, children are attacked from all directions for society and its gender regulations. For example, Literature, for one, paints the image of the girl as a woman and of a boy as a man, with different set assigned roles. The way in which gender is depicted and illustrated in young children's books moulds the image that a child would like to and perceives as ideal and creates for his or her own role in society. The word masculinity can be defined …show more content…
It was never a man who was physically weak or mentally unstable, usually, the masculine or "macho" man is the one who became the king or leader. Each of the heroes such stories exhibit the stereotypical qualities of masculine traits of wisdom, respect, courage and strength. During the Medieval times, literature showed a type of masculinity that was heavily influenced by mainly Christian belief; brave, courageous and noble. Men were depicted as generous, ethical and courageous in battle. A fitting example would be the famous legend of King Arthur. King Arthur emulates the chivalry of men when it touches the subject of the exalted place for women in romance. Ernest Hemingway's Garden of Eden is another fitting example of the depiction of Masculinity. It is full of hints of male domination and male identity. It acts as a reflection of his own life and conduct and phobias, especially his aversion toward homosexuals. Ancient heroic legends depicted men who lived by these principles and had these attributes which we commonly see and analyse