Of Gods and Men: Defining Hegemonic Masculinity in Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles and Circe

Tiago de Melo Cordeiro

Authors

Tiago de Melo Cordeiro Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) Author https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4971-1033

Keywords:

glory, hegemonic masculinity, hero, Homer, Madeline Miller

Abstract

This paper investigates the rise of the rewriting and reinvention of the ancient Greek world through two novels, The song of Achilles and Circe, by North American writer Madeline Miller. Instead of focusing solely on the female characters' roles in relation to patriarchy, I explore how the male heroes in the novels, such as Odysseus, Achilles, Telegonus, Telemachus, and Patroclus, construct their identities in terms of their distance from women, pursuit of glory, and sexual prowess. By analyzing specific passages from the novels and comparing ancient and modern definitions of masculinity, I aim to define and understand the concept of hegemonic masculinity as depicted in Miller's works. Additionally, I aim to establish a connection between hegemonic masculinity and its impact on the personal identities of heroic men.

Author Biography

Tiago de Melo Cordeiro, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)

Mestre em Letras pela Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Interesse nas áreas de literatura de língua inglesa, literatura clássica, e teoria da literatura. Também tem como interesse o estudo das masculinidades na literatura.

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