Литература народов стран зарубежья | Филологический аспект №10 (30) Октябрь, 2017

Male Dominance in American Literature

Kalizhanova Anna Nikolaevna
1-year magistrate of Bashkir and Turkic Philology Sterlitamak branch of BashGU Sterlitamak, Russia, ESL/EFL Teacher of Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication Department Private Institution «Bolashak» Academy, Kazakhstan, Karaganda
Khvan Mariya Alekseevna
1-year magistrate of Bashkir and Turkic Philology Sterlitamak branch of BashGU Sterlitamak, Russia, English Teacher of Basic Disciplines Department Private Institution «Bolashak» Academy, Kazakhstan, Karaganda
Guseva Elena Yurievna
Senior teacher of English of Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication Department, Private Institution «Bolashak» Academy, Kazakhstan, Karaganda

Abstract: This article examines the problem of male domination in American literature. The work compares the roles of men and women in American society and analyzes the views of such researchers as R. Hofstadter, D. Santayana, M. Mead, etc. According to these scientists, historical and territorial features of the USA, as well as the desire of European settlers to become wealthy and enter the aristocracy circles, became the prerequisites of male dominance in American literature, where the charismatic male figures fought their way to the top.
Keywords: male dominance, patriarchy, anti-intellectualism, American women’s role, idealism, national self-identity, equality

Since Columbus’ discovery, American history has always identified American literature’s patriarchalism. Aspirations of travelers differed from investigation of flora and fauna to the seizure of new areas and settlements. But, all of the soldiers of fortune wanted to become rich and famous by getting amazing American treasures. So, the idea of ‘self-made’ successful pragmatic personality laid the foundation for the American dream, a national ethos of the United States. Moreover, it was included in the national moral code and recognized as a symbol of American opportunities. Therefore, American literature has always represented the charismatic male figures, who fought their way. After reaching a lofty position in the society, those lucky ones had to marry a worthy female suitor of noble blood. Marriage with the wrong woman could negatively affect the position in the society. So, the commitment to the puritanical morality and pragmatism defined the male domination in American literature and considered women as an essential attribute of the well-being.

All American literary characters possess the spirit of idealism and patriarchy. American protagonists are not only dreamers and idealists, but also pragmatic, practical, and fair-minded persons. Not for nothing, the U.S. President John Calvin Coolidge Jr. called America ‘the country of idealism’ and ‘the only business” [1]. So, American rational thinking impacts the organization of production, the usage of technologies, and lifestyle. At the same time, it does not recognize any spiritual reflections regarding general intelligence and useless knowledge. In particular, Robert Hofstadter, an American historian, stated that American anti-intellectualism was more ancient than the national self-identity and was based on the strong historical traditions [2, p. 6].

Anti-intellectualism appeared in the American epos’ images – rude frontiersmen. They mocked any intellectual activities and preached to refuse of civilization and return to the harmony with nature. Cooper, Irving, London, Twain, Morrison, and others are the brightest representatives of American frontier writers. Also, American business representatives claimed that intelligence was harmful due to its uselessness. In particular, Carnegie called for removing ‘dead’ languages and mythology from higher education. Furthermore, he appealed to connect the American education with business needs [3, pp. 401-429]. Henry Ford, in turn, defined history as a more or less bunk and tradition and underlined its inefficiency for the American people [4]. Furthermore, American philosopher George Santayana always underlined a duality of the American mind and counterpoised American willingness to American intelligence. Additionally, he contrasted female American intelligence and male reasoning [5, p. 20]. Finally, according to Margareth Mead, an American anthropologist, any man inherited the responsibility for providing women and children with all necessary goods and supplies [6, pp. 56-57]. Therefore, any male person would take the leading positions in business in every society at all times [6, pp. 56-57].

It is necessary to mention the role of American women in literature. Given that female U.S. citizens gained their right to vote only at the beginning of the twentieth century, they were not accepted by any social business circles but recognized as male possession, caregivers, and laborers. Nevertheless, American women’s role in literature is hard to underestimate regarding their achievements of equality and success from the 1500’s to the present time. Moreover, the increased number of women in literature demonstrates how Americans respect those who fight for rights and equalities. So, notwithstanding the paradoxicality and inconsistency, American literature, has always valued such qualities as determination and perseverance, industriousness, morality, and national identity.

Summing up, such American values will continually serve as an excellent example to other nations for all time; therefore, the image of American literary hero will represent the perspective and ambitious Superman, whose dearest wish is to save the world.

1. "Progressive Era." Teaching American History. Web. 07 Aug. 2017.
2. Hofstadter, R. Anti-intellectualism in American Life. N.Y., 1963. – p. 6.
3. Ethan W. Ris. The Education of Andrew Carnegie: Strategic Philanthropy in American Higher Education. 1880–1919. The Journal of Higher Education Vol. 88.
4. Martin, Gary. "'History is Bunk' - The Meaning and Origin of This Phrase." Phrasefinder. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Aug. 2017.
5. Santayana, G. On America. N.Y., 1967.
6. Robert D. Hess, "Childhood in Contemporary Cultures. Margaret Mead, Martha Wolfenstein," The Elementary School Journal 57, no. 1 (Oct. 1956): pp. 56-57. URL: https://doi.org/10.1086/459503