Masculinity in Welsh Writing in English: The cases of Lewis Jones, Glyn Jones, Gwyn Thomas and Ron Berry - Softcover

SMITH, EMMA

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3639111036 ISBN 13: 9783639111033

Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, 2009

Synopsis

Following on from the feminist challenging of the canon of Welsh writing in English, this book explores masculinity in the work of several authors, adopting the now widely accepted view that men construct their masculinities within particular social and historical contexts. It considers such textual constructions in the work of several writers, giving particular attention to their specifically Welsh social and historical contexts. In chapter one, Lewis Jones¿s fiction is assessed in the light of issues of gender and sexuality. The working class experience of masculinity is shown to have been constructed by an emphasis on physical strength. Chapter two examines Glyn Jones¿s The Blue Bed, suggesting that the tensions apparent in both the writer¿s life and his work highlight a concern with the multiplication of masculine identities. The third chapter is concerned with both the fictional and autobiographical work of Gwyn Thomas, and suggests that issues of gender and sexuality are central to his writings. Chapter four concentrates on Ron Berry¿s first five novels to consider the dissatisfaction felt by men in Berry¿s fiction.

About this title

About the Author

Emma Smith received her Ph.D. on Masculinity in Welsh writing in English from the University of Swansea. She currently teaches English at Gorseinon College, Swansea.

Edition details

• Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 3639111036
• ISBN 13: 9783639111033
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 208