The Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig - Essay Example

In the novel Kiss of the Spider Woman reader has an opportunity to observe and analyze this issue. Despite the fact that in the novel the main characters are very different, they have to communicate with each other and develop their relations. The author of this book tries to depict and explain one of the up-to-date issues, namely what a man is and what characteristics he should have. Puig claims that masculinity is a general notion that consists of several aspects. Everybody knows that masculinity is not only physical peculiarities, it is something more.

By homosexual relationships the author portrays the initial meaning of masculinity, demonstrates it from different sides by means of two quite different men and their unique backgrounds. The ideal atmosphere has been created; it was a cell, where the heroes set in the closed space. The author explains to the reader how this situation occured. The roles between the characters are different, each of them knows who is who in this situation. The reader understands that Valentine thinks that he has a right to be stronger and he acts according to this belief.

The description of so-called homosexual masculinity lies in aggressive behavior and demonstration of power towards another the partner who seems to be or better saying would like to be a woman. By such gestures or manner of behavior the homosexuals can demonstrate their masculinity, . He thinks that being a gay is too offensive (Levine, 2002). In spite of the disagreement between the characters they have to become friends, they have to find the common dots. The author creates all the possible situations in order to make this friendship possible.

The situation makes them change the attitude toward each other. The reader can trace the interactions between them (Kerr, 1987). As a result of the efforts taken by the author we have two different types, two untypical manifestations of masculinity that are combined in the real people. The reader can learn about the different aspects from life of homosexuals. Providing such examples, the author expresses his own views on the situation. It is enough to remember Nazi films and their propaganda, where you can observe both love and betrayal.

We can see that nowadays the strong characters of women do not have enough power and opportunity to exist (Burr, 1993). When women gain too much power their life should come to the end. This is a kind of allegory to the Molina and Valentine’s situation. Molina embodies the role of a woman. It is a well-known fact that the most important problems come from the childhood, so the relationships with parents is very important and should be taken into account (Washington et al, 1998). Molina has a very close relation with his mum.

It is enough to recollect the description provided by Molina. He always claims that his mother is a very tiny and fragile creature. The news about the imprisoning of her son was crucial for her. This separation turned into a serious stress for this woman. Such relationships with the mother testify that Molina is very kind and sensitive personality. We see that Valentine is