In the dictionary, the term 'masculine' is defined as "possessing qualities or characteristics considered typical of or appropriate to a man..." such as strength, muscularity, bravery, confidence, power etc. Essentially, a 'masculine' man embodies traditional male qualities. Masculinities are the actual properties that make up being 'masculine', such as strength and bravery. Masculinity is simply the sum of these qualities, masculinities as a whole representing the idea of a typical male.
This idea of a 'masculine' male is undoubtedley favoured by society today, through the portrayal of men in things such as movies and in the media. Often, the 'hero' in a movie is a man who demonstrates power, bravery and strength. He is a man with a muscular physique who can solve any problem, rescue the damsel in distress, and is unable to be defeated. In typical male targeted advertisements, men are represented in a similar manner. One often comes across a masculine male in products advertising underwear, jeans, watches, cologne, etc. The stereotypical 'masculine' individual, of course is depicted as a tall, muscular man who appears strong and tough.
Contrastingly, George Orwell's '1984' depicts the typical man of Oceania as lacking these traditional 'masculine' traits. The description of Winston Smith, the main character of the novel, is proof of this notion as he is said to be a “...smallish, frail figure” (Orwell 4) who has no control or power over his own life. It is the all mighty Big Brother and party members who hold the traditional male qualities associated with masculinity, more specifically power and strength. Essentially, both Big Brother and the members of the party have the power to do anything and have complete authority over the citizens of Oceania. Additionally, Big Brother embodies the typical heroic male through their manipulation of reality. The people of Oceania have clearly been tricked into believing that Big Brother is protecting them through propaganda and alteration of facts.
Evidently, there is a significant difference between the portrayal of men in our society and the portrayal of men in the Oceanic society of George Orwell's '1984'. In present day media and pop culture,real men are portrayed as embodying traditional male qualities that define masculinity, while the men in Oceania seem to lack these characteristics.
