Hegemonic Masculinity In The Trojan War

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Hegemonic (Heg·e·mon·ic/ heɡəˈmänik/ adjective) masculinity is a concept first popularized by sociologist R.W Connell, hegemonic masculinity refers to the dominate role of men, and subservient/subordinate role of women in society (Connell). Hegemonic masculinity reinforces the age old idea that men are meant to be tough, strong, and reckless; whereas women are weak, obedient, and subservient to men. The concept of hegemonic masculinity and its ideals, is enforced by societies that rely on such genders. Such strong reinforcement of toxic masculinity can leave long lasting and harmful effects on individuals. Societal expectations of masculinity directly affects an individual’s relations with the same sex, and can lead to irrationals decisions motivated by: shame, …show more content…

Achilles is a character who values his reputation and honor above all else, as a demigod (child of a god/goddess and mortal) he great care in how he presents himself and how others view him. With the start of the Trojan war coming underway, Achilles is sent into hiding as a female dancer to avoid being drafted. However he is soon found by Odysseus, who blackmails Achilles into joining the Greeks in the war. Odysseus threatens to let everyone know Achilles was hiding as a woman, and thus shaming the young prince. Patroclus emphasises the weight of such a threat by saying, “It was one thing to wear a dress out of necessity, another for the world to know it. Our people reserved their ugliest words for men who acted like women; lives were lost over it” (Miller 163). In this excerpt, the extent that masculinity is emphasized is clearly shown. Men cannot even wear a women’s dress because it is seen as degrading and emasculating, and can lead to harassment and even death. This leads Achilles to join the war effort despite knowing that he will die. The potential dishonor and shame that Achilles would face is worse than dying in war. This

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