The Theme of Emasculation in Regeneration

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How does Pat Barker Present the Theme of Emasculation in Regeneration? In Pat Barker’s Regeneration, emasculation is presented as a major theme that runs throughout the whole novel, as almost all the characters seem to be affected negatively by appearing feminine or emasculated. This could cause the reader to believe that on a more shallow, surface level, Barker intended to present emasculation as a shameful occurrence. However, when analysed deeply, it is very possible that the underlying intentions of Barker writing Regeneration could be to challenge the male and female stereotypes. One way this is shown in Regeneration, although indirect, could be the ironic fact that one of the most appealing aspects of fighting in the war, that might have encouraged men to sign up, could have been to fight and have adventures. This kind of distorted view of war was presented through propaganda posters, which implied that going to war was a masculine occurrence. However, in reality, the men spent most of their time in the war sat in the trenches; cleaning and cooking, stereotypically a woman’s job, for each other while the women at home were stepping up to take, stereotypically a man’s job, and work. “He was out of touch with women. They seemed to have changed so much during the war, to expanded in all kinds of ways, whereas men over the same period had shrunk into a smaller and smaller space.” This shows how even Prior recognises that women had started to evolve and the stereotypical roles men and women were made to play had been dismissed by society. Anderson, a former surgeon, experiences a nightmare in which he is chased and overpowered by two male relatives who then tie him down with corsets. “In determinedly casual tones Anderson said, ‘A pair of lady’s corsets. They fastened them round my arms and tied the laces.’” This could represent and suggest some aspect of
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