Masculinity In The Novel 'Raw By' Scott Monk

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Speech – AT3 – *All page references refer to ebook version Good afternoon, today I will be discussing the perceptions of masculinity and the need to take responsibility for one’s own actions. ‘Raw’ is a novel written by author ‘Scott Monk’ where he addresses the ideas and perceptions of masculinity and the need to be responsible for one’s own actions. He achieves this through the use of narrative elements such as symbolism, characters, plot, structure and settings. Monk further explores the issues of masculinity and responsibility by introducing the themes of teenage rebellion, peer pressure, self-awareness, freedom of choice and the use of power and authority. Brett, the 16-year-old protagonist, forms the basis of the novel with his rebellious, arbitrary way of thinking. The scene is set …show more content…

Brett Dalton as well as many other young male characters such as Tyson, Josh and Frog show their masculinity in different ways, which in turn causes problems between the boys living at the farm. Actions that occur in the novel suggest that Brett’s masculinity consists of rebelling against rules, acting tough and refusing to do what anyone tells him to. This is in comparison to Tyson who feels as if his size, strength and ability to fight make him masculine. An example of this occurs when Brett is tormented by Tyson and his gang as shown on page 103 “…Tyson crushed his knee even deeper into his chest. He yanked up a handful of Brett’s hair then started sawing off tufts with some sort of blade...”. Brett feels that he has lost a sense of masculinity as he shaves off the remainder of his hair, unable to bring himself to look in the mirror. Tyson feels no guilt, nor is he apologetic for the violent actions he took against Brett Dalton, this shows his lack of sympathy towards anyone other than himself. This is shown in the excerpt found on page 103, “…Getting rid of the remnants was the final

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