MASCULINITY AND FEMININITY PORTRAYED IN ALI HAZELWOOD’S CHECK & MATE

Abstract

This research analyzes the portrayal of masculinity and femininity in Ali Hazelwood’s Check & Mate, using Connell’s gender theory as the primary framework. The study focuses on how gender roles are constructed and challenged within the male-dominated environment of competitive chess. Through a qualitative descriptive method, this thesis demonstrates that the author does not only critique rigid gender expectations but also offers a narrative of resistance and transformation. Masculinity is depicted through the dominance, authority, and emotional detachment of male characters namely Nolan Sawyer illustrating complicity of masculinity, Malte Koch, and Bob illustrating concept of subordination of masculinity. Conversely, femininity is expressed through the emotional sensitivity, modesty, and self-sacrifice embodied by the female protagonist, Mallory Greenleaf, in line with Connell’s theory of hegemony femininity. This research reveals that in literary works, women are not only depicted as support for men but are also depicted as dominant women. The writer concludes that this literary work illustrates how women can reject and break through social boundaries to forge their own identity and power amidst the dominance of masculinity.