Gentlemanly Masculinities as Represented by the Late Georgian Gentleman's Magazine

Abstract

AbstractAlmost half of the pages of the Gentleman's Magazine 1785–1815 consisted of readers’ contributions in the form of letters and obituaries, making it an excellent source for representations of elite masculinities. They convey abundant evidence of the social and cultural priority of gentlemen over gentlewomen, and contrary to some recent assertions by scholars furnish no evidence of a ‘gender panic’ or retreat from ‘gender play’. They imply no overmastering urge to separate manliness from ‘feminine’ characteristics such as domesticity, connectedness, sensibility and gentleness. The predominantly reflected masculinity of this source is polite, responsible and educated; but evidence of disapproval of other masculinities – of irresponsible youth, and of the ‘rough’ style of the libertine or sportsman – indicates that there was no single ‘hegemonic’ elite masculinity. Nor was the preferred masculinity of the majority of the magazine's contributors entirely consistent. Conversation was highly esteemed by contributors; but there was a persistent tension between impartial, liberal, candid debate – talking for truth – and aggressive argument – talking for victory. The latter is pervasively characterized by the language of the duel, and this tension reflects an unresolved conflict between a ‘Christian’ masculinity of politeness and a masculinity of honour.