Deconstructing and Reconstructing Masculinity in Manuel Puig's Kiss of the Spider Woman

Abstract

Manuel Puig's Kiss of the Spider Woman examines, deconstructs, and then reconceives masculinity through the dialogue and interaction between the traditionally macho rebel, Valentin, and the seemingly stereotypical effeminate, Molina. In the course of their conversations inside an Argentinian prison at the time of the military junta, Puig engages in an exploration of machismo, the code of male behavior, and marianismo, the code of female behavior, in order to re-establish masculinity in a manner that transcends the preconceptions. Arguing for what Puig calls the “polymorphous perverse,” the novel redefines maleness in Valentin and Molina's relationship, their intimacy, and the new-found elements of their personalities, elements which play a vital role in their ultimate fates in the novel.

Keywords

masculinity male/male relationships men in prison machismo marianismo polymorphously perverse Manuel Puig Kiss of the Spider Woman

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