Rereading gender in Sally Rooney’s novel normal people: an analysis of connell waldron as a 21st century redefinition of masculinity

Abstract

[eng] The best-selling novel Normal People (2018), written by the Irish author Sally Rooney, has engaged readers through its intricate portrayal of youngsters in Ireland and the dynamics of coming-of-age relationships. This literary work follows the lives of Marianne Sheridan and Connell Waldron from their small town of Carricklea to their entrance into adulthood in urban Dublin. Through a close reading of the text, this thesis delves into Rooney’s portrayal of Connell’s masculinity and the different stages he goes through in his life: from a young boy who perpetuates traditional masculine traits to a young adult who is characterised by his empathy and vulnerability. This analysis will be carried out through the lens of “gender performativity”, discussed by Judith Butler, “hegemonic masculinity” as theorised by Raewyn Connell, and what Michael Foucault perceives as “power discourses”. This dissertation will explore the impact of personal relationships along with societal pressures in shaping Connell Waldron’s identity. By its redefinition of masculinity, Normal People contributes to broader conversations about complex identities, challenging traditional gender roles and offering a critique of twenty-first-century societal expectations.