A key concept of masculinity is being a strong protector, protecting one's family and nation. However, the texts “Regeneration” and “How many kilometers to Basra?” » present the argument that war promotes a distortion of masculinity; a passivity. The isolation from the normal societal structure and the absence of the bisexual role model leaves no contrast for the soldiers, thus collapsing the stereotypical masculine ideal. There is a clear distinction between the setting and circumstances of the two texts. The setting of “Regeneration” is more extreme than that of “How Many Miles to Basra?” ”, in the sense that the horrors of the First World War were more devastating and more lasting than those of modern warfare. However, the comparisons can still be quite constructed because "regeneration" is linked to society's perceptions of what and who a man should be; independent, strong, heterosexual and above all the support of society. There is extreme pressure from the rest of society to conform to these stereotypes, and when they are not followed in any form, soldiers are dislocated; whether in terms of sexuality, moral position regarding war, physical or mental condition. While “How many kilometers to Basra?” » is more concerned with the crisis of masculinity on a personal level. The novel uncovers the intertwined relationships between the men of their squadrons, revealing how society has regressed in its acceptance of diversity. The Iraq War is surrounded by controversy and born of corruption, meaning it has not been popular with the public. This would not have helped men readjust to normal societal conventions and would have dislocated them even more. The men show little tolerance towards the Iraqi people, towards Ursula and even towards themselves; Ursula representing the role and treatment of women in a typically masculine environment. In "Regeneration" there is a sense of hope, this indicates that society can evolve and abandon traditional male and female roles. However, progress has stagnated and men are taking extreme measures to present themselves as the ideal masculine figure; the alpha male. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"? Get the original essay Society's archetypal ideological position was manipulated by the horrors of the Great War, particularly with regard to sexuality and emotional exposure; Hynes embodies it as follows: “the war disrupted the familiar language of values ​​and meanings, leaving only contradictions, denials, conflicts, tensions and inconsistencies.” The war was a “test of the Victorian masculine ideal,” according to literary critic Elaine Showalter. The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century also led to the advancement of warfare technology and the evolution of warfare itself. The rudimentary and unsophisticated cavalry charges of the past had been replaced by the systematic, mechanical slaughter of millions of men; trench warfare. The men were confined in claustrophobic, muddy trenches, along with thousands of other men, "they had been mobilized into holes in the ground so narrow they could barely move." They were isolated from society, not having to follow the social rules and norms that previously confined them. The absence of the bisexual model further adds to the distortion of the masculine ideal; there is no contrast for soldiers in a male-dominated environment. This couldalso be said for "How many kilometers to Basra?" » because there is a distinct lack of female characters in the play, and those who do appear are not highlighted by the men. Showalter also suggests that soldiers were silenced and immobilized by the sheer nature of war and therefore had to, “like women,” “express their conflicts through their bodies.” This supports Hynes' statement because it contradicts the values ​​and ideals of the traditional Victorian view, in which men should be strong and show little emotion. Soldiers of the First World War spent prolonged periods in close proximity to other men, so naturally bonds were formed between them, often sergeants or officers became very close to their men. The relationship between them often became "domestic" and "maternal", as noted to the surprise of Rivers Layard, one of his former patients. The lack of autonomy and powerlessness from which soldiers suffer often draws parallels with “female passivity”; Erving Goffman agrees by suggesting that they were in a “position analogous to that of women”. These connections made men like Prior and Sassoon reluctant to stay in Britain, preferring to return and protect their soldiers who had fought valiantly alongside them. Such emotions caused men to question their own masculinity, as homosexuals; or being perceived as homosexual, was considered a sin and evil, with some scientists even attempting to cure it, as if it were a disease. Homosexuality was not only considered a religious deviance, but was the antithesis of the ideal masculine character, whose sexual domination over women was just as important as the appreciation of their control over other men. One of the few direct references to homosexuality in "Regeneration" is when Graves discusses his writings with a girl called Nancy with Sassoon over coffee, and how his "affections" now "flow through more normal channels" , showing his dissatisfaction with this assumption. he was homosexual, “even in thought”. Graves represses his emotions for the sake of conformity; repression was an "essential aspect of the British masculine ideal" according to literacy critic Showalter. The desperation to disconnect from homosexuality is not unique to “Regeneration,” the constant use of innuendo and mention of sexuality in “How Many Miles to Basra?” ” serves a similar purpose. The verbal jousts between the soldiers are their way of asserting themselves as alpha males, regularly bringing up sexual themes; more often than not, they are also sexist. One of the main culprits is Freddie, who built his entire personality around very masculine and aggressive tendencies. The reference to a woman's "panting" before sex shows that he is trying to prove that he is heterosexual by proclaiming that he has experience in this area. He objects to women and his view of them becomes evident as the play continues until it reaches its climax; the attempted “rape” of Ursula. Geordie's more respectful view towards women could be seen as a sign of hope, that the younger generation will be more tolerant. Despite this, it also demonstrates how war can manipulate the young mind, as Freddie is often seen as the end result of the 'horror barrage', with Geordie representing the impressionable young soldier. Increased female power contributes to emasculation and disconnection. men, due to the societal changes they must adopt when they return home. We can see it under twocategories, personal power and social power, both equally harmful to men themselves. Italian Marxist theorist and politician Gramsci noted that "dominant groups must strive to remain dominant", which is particularly true in "Regeneration", because in the era in which the novel is set, movements like the suffragettes beginning to gain a voice and women's rights. being reformed for their advancement. The novel reveals the effect of women's growing social power. Due to the absence of men, who were the traditional providers, it fell to women to provide not only for their families, but for society as a whole. They held jobs across industries, most working in munitions factories. Sarah is arguably the most influential female character in "Regeneration", she provides an interesting insight into the lives of women in World War I. She is Prior's possible "girlfriend" and often evokes conflicting emotions from Prior. On a field trip from the hospital, Prior takes Sarah to the beach, where they see crowds of people. He envied and despised her because she belonged to the "pleasure-seeking crowds." Prior does not appreciate his happiness; he feels excluded from the joy of others. Prior is envious because he can never mentally escape the war like the mobs did, everything brings back memories. The conflict arises from the feeling of betraying the men who are still fighting in the war by trying to forget them. Prior's anger focuses on Sarah, being a woman she was protected from all the horrors of war. He is excluded from society and observing his freedom makes him jealous of his ignorance and innocence, which gives him a burden-free happiness that he can never achieve. He and many other men are trying to impose the old philosophies on the new world. They went to war with complete control over society, but returned to a completely new playing field and for some incomprehensible reason. Juxtaposing the two texts would show a lack of similarities in their historical contexts; there was no upheaval in the social system after the Iraq War, unlike the First World War. However, “How many kilometers to Basra?” » focuses on the effect of women's personal power on men. The main and almost only example is that of Ursula, whose authority threatens them, especially the older and more experienced soldiers. They are upset that a "female reporter" has been sent to follow and interview them, with Freddie calling her a "nosy bitch"; an early sign of his sexism. Freddie is the main perpetrator of Ursula's mistreatment. Stewart also shows signs of distrust when he tells DangerMouse that he should "not tell her anything", fearing that she will compromise his authority. Stewart is very affected by the Irish "girl", whom he shot while serving there. He wants to make up for his death by saving the Iraqi mother and child, this campaign leads to the eventual death of his entire squadron, a devastating amount of destruction caused by the memory of a single person. The long-term effect the young Irish woman has on Stewart shows how much personal power she had; although he has been dead for several years. This type of influence contrasts with what we see in "Regeneration", where society's perception of what a man should be and how he should act contributes the most. The two texts present different representations of masculinity, and not just the stereotypical angry young soldier. The narrative of “Regeneration” is based on perspective.