The following term paper deals with the question in how far the theory of precarious manhood can be applied to novel “Embassy of Cambodia“ by Zadie Smith, that was first published in 2013.
As the main female character Fatou, a woman from Ivory Coast, who works as a live-in maid with Pakistani family, the Derawals, in a working-class suburb of London, is a very strong character, who, apart from her gender, does not show many traits of character that are stereotypically female, the implications of the theory of precarious manhood suggest, that a male character behaves accordingly next to a strong femine hero.
Therefore, the main goal of this term paper is to analyse in how far the main male character, Andrew Okonkwo, complies with this theory in his behavior and actions.
Although there are also other male characters, for example Fatou’s father, Mr. Derawal, Faizul Derawal, the man from Russia and several other miscellaneous male persons, but due to the limitations of this term paper and the fact that all other characters do not have enough appearances or are even mentioned only once, this paper is limited to an analysis of Andrew Okonkwo. In addition to that the behaviour of the other male characters largely could only be only be inferred by interpreting the situation they are living in or making assumptions, that go beyond what is written in the book.
At first, the term paper gives a brief overview about the terms masculinity and manhood and the theory of precarious manhood is introduced. Later, the main male character in the novel is described and his behaviour is being analysed according to being stereotypically male and compliant to the theory of precarious manhood. In the conclusion, the author summarises the findings and also adresses topics for potential further research.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Masculinity and Manhood
- Precarious Manhood Theory
- Main male character in "Embassy of Cambodia"
- The Precarious Manhood of Andrew Okonkwo
Objectives and Key Themes
This term paper analyzes the applicability of precarious manhood theory to Zadie Smith's novel "Embassy of Cambodia." The main objective is to examine the extent to which the main male character, Andrew Okonkwo, exhibits behaviors consistent with this theory. The analysis is limited to Okonkwo due to the constraints of the paper's length and the limited presence of other male characters in the novel.
- Masculinity and manhood as defined by Oxford dictionary and scholarly debate
- The theory of precarious manhood and its implications for male behavior
- Analysis of Andrew Okonkwo's behavior through the lens of precarious manhood theory
- Stereotypical male and female behaviors and their cultural context
- Limitations of applying established stereotypes to a multicultural context
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the central question of the paper: to what extent does the theory of precarious manhood apply to the male characters in Zadie Smith's "Embassy of Cambodia." It establishes the focus on Andrew Okonkwo as the primary subject of analysis, due to the limited presence and portrayal of other male characters. The chapter briefly outlines the structure of the paper, indicating an initial overview of masculinity and manhood concepts, followed by an introduction to the theory of precarious manhood, and finally, an analysis of Andrew Okonkwo's behavior within the novel's context.
Masculinity and Manhood: This chapter delves into the complex definitions of masculinity and manhood, highlighting the distinction between the two. It acknowledges the challenges in providing a single, universally accepted scholarly definition for either term. The chapter discusses different perspectives, noting that some view masculinity as a set of practices aimed at subordinating women, while others emphasize its fluidity and constant negotiation within social contexts. This section explores various viewpoints and highlights the ongoing scholarly debate surrounding these concepts and also discusses manhood as a concept that is socially constructed and constantly needs to be proven.
Precarious Manhood Theory: This chapter presents the theory of precarious manhood, which posits that manhood, unlike womanhood, is a precarious social status that needs continuous public demonstration to be maintained. The chapter details the three conventions of this theory: manhood is elusive and must be achieved, it is easily lost, and it is socially confirmed through public displays. This section also explores implications of the theory, including the heightened anxiety men might experience about their gender status and their propensity to engage in risk-taking or aggressive behaviors to reaffirm their masculinity.
Main male character in "Embassy of Cambodia": This chapter would provide a detailed description of Andrew Okonkwo, establishing his role and characteristics within the narrative of Zadie Smith's novel. This section would also set the stage for the subsequent analysis of his behavior based on the precarious manhood theory.
The Precarious Manhood of Andrew Okonkwo: This chapter presents a detailed analysis of Andrew Okonkwo's actions and behaviors in "Embassy of Cambodia," examining them in relation to the precarious manhood theory. It would assess the extent to which his actions align with the expectations and implications outlined in the theory. This section would draw upon specific examples from the novel and reference the relevant concepts of masculinity, manhood, and precarious manhood as outlined earlier in the term paper. The analysis is set within the context of the cultural background and social dynamics portrayed within the novel.
Keywords
Masculinity, manhood, precarious manhood theory, Zadie Smith, Embassy of Cambodia, Andrew Okonkwo, gender roles, stereotype, social construction of gender, masculine behavior, feminine behavior, cultural context.
FAQ: Zadie Smith's "Embassy of Cambodia" - A Precarious Manhood Analysis
What is the main focus of this term paper?
This term paper analyzes the applicability of precarious manhood theory to Zadie Smith's novel "Embassy of Cambodia," specifically examining the behavior of the main male character, Andrew Okonkwo, through the lens of this theory.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores themes of masculinity and manhood, the theory of precarious manhood and its implications, Andrew Okonkwo's behavior within the context of this theory, stereotypical male and female behaviors and their cultural contexts, and the limitations of applying established stereotypes in a multicultural setting.
What is the structure of the term paper?
The paper is structured into chapters covering an introduction, an exploration of masculinity and manhood, a detailed explanation of precarious manhood theory, a description of Andrew Okonkwo as the main male character, and finally, an in-depth analysis of Okonkwo's behavior through the lens of precarious manhood theory. The paper concludes with a list of keywords.
What is precarious manhood theory?
Precarious manhood theory posits that manhood, unlike womanhood, is a precarious social status requiring continuous public demonstration to maintain. It suggests that manhood is elusive, easily lost, and socially confirmed through public displays, potentially leading to anxiety and risk-taking behaviors in men.
Why is Andrew Okonkwo the primary focus of the analysis?
Andrew Okonkwo is the primary focus due to the limited presence and portrayal of other male characters in Zadie Smith's novel. This limitation is acknowledged in the paper.
How does the paper define masculinity and manhood?
The paper acknowledges the complexity and lack of universally accepted definitions for masculinity and manhood. It explores various perspectives, including those that view masculinity as potentially subordinating to women and those that emphasize its fluidity and negotiation within social contexts. The paper also discusses the socially constructed nature of manhood and the continuous need for its validation.
What are the limitations of the analysis?
The analysis is limited by the scope of the paper and the limited number of male characters in the novel. The applicability of established stereotypes to a multicultural context is also critically examined and its limitations are acknowledged.
What are the key takeaways from the analysis of Andrew Okonkwo?
The analysis of Andrew Okonkwo aims to determine the extent to which his actions and behaviors align with the expectations and implications of precarious manhood theory. Specific examples from the novel are used to support this analysis, considering the cultural background and social dynamics portrayed within the story.
What are the keywords associated with this term paper?
The keywords include: Masculinity, manhood, precarious manhood theory, Zadie Smith, Embassy of Cambodia, Andrew Okonkwo, gender roles, stereotype, social construction of gender, masculine behavior, feminine behavior, and cultural context.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Holger Weinreich (Autor:in), 2015, Precarious Manhood in Zadie Smith's "Embassy of Cambodia", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/313732
