Hemingway's Masochism, Sodomy, and the Dominant Woman

Recent studies recognize the complexity of Hemingway's female characters. The devotion to these women reveals a submissive and masochistic sexuality in the male heroes that occasionally includes their participation in passive heterosexual sodomy. While some recent gender theorists seek to identify male masochism as a viable, alternative form of masculine sexuality, others see it as disguised form of sexism. This essay examines Hemingway's texts in light of these theories and explores how the novels and stories embody many of the subversive elements of masochism that undermine certain patriarchal values, even while their author upholds others.