Anxious Masculinity in Early Modern England
Anxious Masculinity in Early Modern England by Mark Breitenberg, published by Cambridge University Press on March 14, 1996, offers an in-depth exploration of the complexities surrounding masculinity during the Renaissance. This 236-page work examines how masculinity is inherently anxious and volatile within patriarchal societies, drawing on various fields such as feminism, cultural studies, and psychoanalysis. Breitenberg analyzes the interplay of desire and anxiety in the masculine subjectivity found in the writings of notable figures like Shakespeare and Bacon, as well as women writers involved in the “querelles des femmes” debate.
Readers will find a thorough discussion of themes such as jealousy, cuckoldry anxiety, and the dynamics of hetero and homoerotic desire. The book delves into concepts like humoural psychology, anatomical differences, and cross-dressing, while also addressing the notions of honor and reputation. Breitenberg’s work traces masculine anxiety as both a reflection of ideological contradictions and a driving force in the maintenance of Western patriarchal systems, making it a significant contribution to the fields of literary criticism and Renaissance studies.
Official synopsis Publisher
To recent studies of Renaissance subjectivity, Anxious Masculinity in Early Modern England contributes the argument that masculinity is unavoidably anxious and volatile in cultures that distribute power and authority according to patriarchal prerogatives. Drawing from current arguments in feminism, cultural studies, historicism, psychoanalysis and gay studies, Mark Breitenberg explores the dialectic of desire and anxiety in masculine subjectivity in the work of a wide range of writers, including Shakespeare, Bacon, Burton, and the women writers of the “querelles des femmes” debate, especially Jane Anger. Breitenberg discusses jealousy and cuckoldry anxiety, hetero and homoerotic desire, humoural psychology, anatomical difference, cross-dressing and the idea of honor and reputation. He traces masculine anxiety both as a sign of ideological contradiction and, paradoxically, as a productive force in the perpetuation of Western patriarchal systems.
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Anxious Masculinity in Early Modern England” about?
Who is the author of “Anxious Masculinity in Early Modern England”?
When was “Anxious Masculinity in Early Modern England” published?
What is the ISBN for “Anxious Masculinity in Early Modern England”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
