How can one identify the best man's man novels?

Answer 1

One way to identify them is by the settings. Novels set in rough or challenging environments often fall into this category. Take 'Heart of Darkness' for instance. Marlow's journey into the African jungle is full of danger and moral ambiguity. Another factor is the male relationships in the novel. In 'The Iliad', the bonds between the male warriors and their code of honor are central to the story. Also, look for stories where men are in pursuit of something grand, like Santiago in 'The Old Man and the Sea' who battles the marlin to prove his worth as a fisherman.

Answer 2

Look for novels with strong male protagonists who face challenges head - on. For example, in 'The Count of Monte Cristo', Edmond Dantes overcomes great injustice and uses his wits and strength to get revenge. Also, check for themes like adventure, honor, and self - discovery. In 'Robinson Crusoe', the main character survives alone on an island, showing great self - reliance, which is a key aspect of a'man's man' novel.

Answer 3

You can identify the best man's man novels by examining the character development of the male characters. If they grow from being ordinary or flawed to achieving something significant through their own efforts, it's a good sign. In 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', Dorian starts as an innocent and becomes corrupted, but it's his journey through different states that makes it interesting. The language used in the novel can also be an indicator. In 'Beowulf', the heroic and somewhat bombastic language used to describe the hero's deeds is typical of a'man's man' novel. Also, consider the moral lessons or values that the novel imparts. In 'A Tale of Two Cities', Sydney Carton's self - sacrifice shows a noble value which is often found in such novels.