How Regeneration and How Many Miles to Basra Depict Masculinity, Comparative Analysis

Masculinity is often portrayed through the lens of strength and protection, where a man’s role is to safeguard his family and nation. However, both 'Regeneration' and 'How Many Miles to Basra?' challenge traditional notions of masculinity, arguing that warfare distorts this ideal and leads to a sense of passivity among soldiers. The isolation from societal norms and the absence of a contrasting gender model contribute to the disintegration of the stereotypical masculine identity. Although the settings of the two texts differ significantly, with 'Regeneration' depicting the extreme horrors of World War I compared to the more contemporary context of the Iraq War in 'How Many Miles to Basra?', both reveal how war reshapes masculinity in profound ways.

Contextual Differences in Warfare

'Regeneration' is set against the backdrop of World War I, a conflict characterized by its devastating and lasting effects on soldiers and society. The text explores how societal expectations of masculinity—independence, strength, heterosexuality, and the role of provider—create immense pressure on the soldiers. When these expectations are unmet, soldiers experience dislocation in terms of their sexuality, moral views on warfare, and psychological conditions.

In contrast, 'How Many Miles to Basra?' focuses on a more personal crisis of masculinity within the context of the Iraq War, which was marred by controversy and public disapproval. The relationships among the men in their squadrons reveal a regression in societal acceptance of diversity. The negative perception of the Iraqi people and the treatment of women, as represented by the character Ursula, further illustrate the complications of masculinity in a war zone.

The Distortion of Masculine Ideals

The horrors of war lead to a re-evaluation of the traditional masculine ideal. As Hynes articulates, war disrupts familiar values and meanings, leaving behind contradictions and tensions. Showalter suggests that the Great War served as a trial for Victorian masculinity, which had to contend with the brutal realities of modern warfare. The transition from cavalry charges to trench warfare created an environment where men were confined and isolated, stripped of the societal norms they once adhered to.

In both texts, the absence of women exacerbates this distortion. The lack of a contrasting female presence creates an environment that further complicates the soldiers' identities. For instance, the interactions among male soldiers in 'How Many Miles to Basra?' often reveal their attempts to assert dominance through sexist banter, highlighting their discomfort with vulnerability.

Bonding and Emotional Exposure

Prolonged exposure to fellow soldiers fosters emotional bonds, leading to a 'domestic' and 'maternal' dynamic among them. This emotional intimacy challenges traditional masculinity, as seen through the relationships between characters like Prior and Sassoon in 'Regeneration'. These connections prompt soldiers to resist returning home, as they feel a duty to protect their comrades. The fear of being perceived as homosexual or emotionally weak further complicates their identities, as society harshly penalizes any deviation from the masculine norm.

Below is a table illustrating the contrasting representations of masculinity in both texts:

Emasculation and Societal Changes

The return of soldiers to a society that has evolved during their absence contributes to their feelings of emasculation. Gramsci’s observation that dominant groups must work to maintain their status is evident in 'Regeneration', where the rise of women's rights and roles during the war disrupts traditional power dynamics. Sarah, as a pivotal female character, embodies the shift in societal roles, highlighting the resentment and jealousy felt by Prior, who struggles to reconcile his war experiences with the newfound freedoms of women.

In 'How Many Miles to Basra?', the authority of Ursula as a journalist challenges the soldiers' masculinity, particularly in the eyes of Freddie and Stewart, who exhibit discomfort and hostility towards her presence. The internal conflict among these men illustrates how war has manipulated their identities, forcing them to confront their vulnerabilities.

Subversion of Masculinity

Both texts present characters who subvert traditional masculine ideals. Sassoon’s passive resistance to the war, through his declaration against its motives, defies the expectation of unwavering loyalty to one’s country. His willingness to speak out against the war’s moral implications challenges the notion of the ideal soldier. Similarly, Malek in 'How Many Miles to Basra?' emerges as a figure of intelligence and strength, contrasting sharply with the other soldiers, who are often depicted as ignorant and aggressive. His ability to confront racism and sexism among the soldiers showcases a different form of masculinity that transcends the conventional boundaries imposed by war.

Conclusion

Ultimately, both 'Regeneration' and 'How Many Miles to Basra?' reveal that war is not merely a display of masculine strength but rather a tragic deconstruction of it. The soldiers in both texts grapple with their identities in a world that no longer adheres to the rigid definitions of masculinity. The crisis of masculinity depicted in these works is shaped by societal expectations, personal relationships, and the evolving roles of women, illustrating that the impact of war reaches far beyond the battlefield.

Bibliography:

Gramsci, A. (2012). A War of Position. Retrieved from http://www.warofposition.com/?page_id=94

Showalter, E. (1987). The Female Malady. 1st ed. Virago.

Hynes, S. (2011). A War Imagined: The First World War and English Culture. Random House, London.