Conrad and Masculinity

This timely study offers a radical re-reading of Conrad's work in the light of contemporary theories of masculinity. Drawing on gay studies, feminism, film theory and literary theory, Roberts shows how Conrad's fiction, even as it reflects certain assumptions of its day about the role of men in society, offers striking insights into the instability of the 'masculine'. The book explores the relationship of masculinity with colonialism, modernity, the visual and the body in a wide range of Conrad's major and lesser-known fiction.

Acknowledgements Abbreviations and Note on Texts Introduction Masculinity, 'Race' and Empire: Almayer's Folly, An Outcast of the Islands Imperialism and Male Bonds: 'Karain', The Nigger of the 'Narcissis', Lord Jim Masculinity and the Body: Typhoon, The Secret Agent Gender and the Disciplined Body: Nostromo Epistemology, Modernity and Masculinity: Heart of Darkness Masculinity, 'Women', and Truth: The Secret Agent, Under Western Eyes, Chance Vision, Power and Homosocial Exchange: The Arrow of Gold Vision and the Economies of Empire and Masculinity: Victory Bibliography Index