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Family and the Renegotiation of Masculine Identity in Philip Roth's The Plot Against America

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2012

ALEX HOBBS
ALEX HOBBS
Affiliation:
Independent scholar. Email: alex.hobbs@virginmedia.com.
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Abstract

This article considers the negotiation of masculinity that takes place within a family context, juxtaposing Raewyn Connell's concept of hegemonic masculinity with one that is more aligned with the collective. Taking Philip Roth's 2003 novel The Plot Against America, the article uses the character of Herman Roth as a case study. Despite Roth's reputation as a fundamentally masculine writer, and one who has not always represented the family as a positive force on individual masculine identity, this novel portrays a father who is responsive to circumstance and whose masculinity evolves according to his family's needs.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of American Studies , Volume 46 , Issue 1 , February 2012 , pp. 121 - 137
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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References

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