| This dissertation investigates a large corpus of Arthur Schnitzler's prose and dramatic works within the context of the construction of masculinity. It describes how the decline of Austrian liberalism and the rise of feminism at the turn of the century undermined the stereotypical masculine identity and stimulated misogynism in artistic and intellectual life.; Starting with Schnitzler's adolescent male figures, the first chapter describes how in these young characters, who are sexually mature but not yet ready to take a responsible position in society by marriage and career, a lack of orientation and a sense of uselessness lead to excessive sexual activity as a compensation for the emptiness of their existence. In their sexual relationships, to these men women do not mean more than objects of instant sexual gratification and prestige.; Following the main thesis of the dissertation, namely that men test and define their masculine identity in their homosocial interaction with other men, the second chapter describes different forms of male bonding and the binding elements of these relationships. Competition, and especially sexual competition, is described as an important factor in establishing and maintaining a masculine identity. Consequently, women often appear as heterosexual links in homosocial relationships.; Chapter three investigates the construction of masculinity in men's marital relationships. Here, man's honor as husband, caretaker and head of the family plays an important role. The husband's honor, as Schnitzler suggests, depends to a great degree on the woman's fulfillment of her role as wife and mother. Failing in this task, she jeopardized not only the marriage, but, more importantly, also her husband's position in society.; The last chapter describes masculinity in old age. In a lot of Schnitzler's older male characters, we see a desire to relive the early adolescent phase of sexual freedom and promiscuity. Others nostalgically look back on the days of earlier success and fame. In a second marriage, in their children or in their work they try to find solace for their loneliness and to gain a sense of immortality. |
