Analysis of Robert Bly's "Iron John"

Iron John: A Book about Men (1992) - Robert Bly

The concept presented of this Iron John by Robert Bly is one that has always existed, but has been stripped away through pop culture. The idea that a man should be strong independent have always been the same, it is the developmental process now that has changed just how to achieve this man. Just as Freud outlines in Civilization and its Discontents that the child learns from their parents and family members on what is acceptable in society, they learn what it means to become a man. I think this is very important because these parents are supposed to be positive role models for their children, they are a reflection of what the future will be. In the heteronormative family structure Freud appoints the mother to be the role model for the girls and the father for the boy.

Bly’s book Iron John: a Book about Men outlines the importance of the male figure in society. “His gift contributes to the love of knowledge, love of action, and ways to honor the world of things” (Bly, 1992, p.121). As Freud would point out, the sexual importance of the male it to accompany the female in reproduction. As he cannot physically grow a child, he must then support and nurture them by leading this example of the male mentor. Bly points out the importance of distinguishing that from birth men and women are set apart. This distinction is the initial moment of limitations by society. The general idea that men must be masculine and women be feminine is damaging to youth, because without following these social guidelines they do not see themselves as whole, or are categorized as other. “But the women of twenty years ago were definitely saying they preferred the softer receptive male. So the development of men was affected a little in this preference. Nonreceptive maleness was equated with violence, and receptive maleness was rewarded” (Bly, 1992, p.3). This image of the violent male is too often the way masculinity is seen. The notion of a...