Fashioning Masculinity

"Fashioning Masculinity" is a comparison of Anglo-French relations in the eighteenth century, themes of gender, nationality, identity and masculinity with perceptions of today. The fashioning of English gentlemen in the eighteenth century was modelled on French practices. At the same time, however, the French and their language were disparaged. Michele Cohen show how cultural relations between the two states were constructed as relations of seduction and desire. There was anxiety on the part of the English over the effect of French practices on English masculinity and the virtue of English women. By the end of the century representing the French as an effeminate Other was integral to the forging of English, masculine, national identity. Taciturnity became emblematic of the English gentleman's depth of mind and masculinity. Sprightly conversation and speaking foreign languages was seen as representing the shallow and inferior intellect of English women, and of the French of both sexes.

Michèle Cohen is Senior Lecturer in Languages and Linguistics at Richmond College, the American International University in London.

INTRODUCTION 1 CONVERSATION AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HONNÊTE HOMME IN SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY FRANCE 2 THE ENGLISH GENTLEMAN AND HIS TONGUE 3 POLITENESS 4 THE GRAND TOUR OF THE ENGLISH GENTLEMAN 5 THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY LADY 6 THE SEXED MIND 7 TONGUES, MASCULINITY AND NATIONAL CHARACTER