Feminine Men in the Western
Faculty Sponsor
Matthew Bolton bolton@gonzaga.edu
Session Type
Traditional Paper Presentation
Research Project Abstract
When one imagines the Western hero, the image of a built rugged man emerging from the wilderness on a horse might come to mind along with another word, manly. However, in films such as Destry Rides Again (1939), McCabe and Mrs. Miller (1971), and My Darling Clementine (1964) the Western hero featured here no longer fits into the traditional confines of masculinity. The heroes in these films often are associated with Eastern society and adopt feminine characteristics. They detest violence, particularly the gun, subscribe to law and order, and “civilize” women. By undermining classic Western masculinity, these heroes redefine what it means to be powerful in the West.
Session Number
RS5
Location
Weyerhaeuser 203
Abstract Number
RS5-a
Feminine Men in the Western
Weyerhaeuser 203
When one imagines the Western hero, the image of a built rugged man emerging from the wilderness on a horse might come to mind along with another word, manly. However, in films such as Destry Rides Again (1939), McCabe and Mrs. Miller (1971), and My Darling Clementine (1964) the Western hero featured here no longer fits into the traditional confines of masculinity. The heroes in these films often are associated with Eastern society and adopt feminine characteristics. They detest violence, particularly the gun, subscribe to law and order, and “civilize” women. By undermining classic Western masculinity, these heroes redefine what it means to be powerful in the West.
