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In his collection Skirrid Hill, Owen Sheers’ depiction of men is one of nuance and difference, with male characters being presented as figures of great occupancy, who assert themselves upon others for their own potent gain. However, while some men are demonstrated as malevolent, selfish, assertive bullies, many other characters are presented as figures of fulfilment, positivity, and healthy masculinity. The goal, instead of power and control, is one of upholding a role of nurturing and healthy father figure.

This positive role model figure is embedded in Sheers’ autobiographical, anecdotal poem about his grandfather, Late Spring, where his grandfather teaches Sheers how to castrate the lambs. A semantic field of technical language is employed throughout the poem, as his grandfather demonstrates his skill, as he “[snipping] the ‘orange o-rings’ to plug the lamb like a cello”. A motif of skill and professionalism is created. Sheers utilises this technical language to demonstrate how he viewed his grandfather as a sort of guiding figure. The simple imagery of a “cello” portrays the years of experience in his profession, as he works with a sense of the skill needed for this. Additionally, the harsh language highlights the often implied difficulty of the job, through the juxtaposition of the natural and unnatural imagery.

The idea that Sheers’ grandfather is seen as a guiding force is further employed through the breakdown of traditionally masculine stereotypes. Despite the strong, masculine image of his “crucified fist”, Sheers’ grandfather is seen as a man who promotes growth, happiness, and fulfilment. Furthermore, the notion of masculinity is brought into question through the opening line “It made me feel like a man”: the seemingly toxic masculinity presented through the phallic symbols is swiftly dismantled through his grandfather’s actions. Throughout the poem, as a positive force, readers can then assume that, unlike societal expectations, Sheers assumes the role of a man who is open-minded, respectful, and responsive.

This guiding nature of his grandfather is exemplified through his use of traditional Welsh stanza (cynghanedd) which, although not written in Welsh, “is derived from the Welsh” (Sheers on landscape and Welsh tradition), which demonstrates the importance of the properties that growing up in Wales provided. As in Late Spring, male characters are demonstrated as strong-skulled yet responsible figures who utilise their skill for positivity.

However, in Drinking with Hitler (DWH), masculinity is presented as vain, selfish, and grotesque. As Dr. Hunsvi “turns” around the bar, he is presented as a man of manipulative and selfish tendencies. The superficial deploying of women and their belongings, as if he was listing a checklist: “film pretty, delicate among her jewellery, long, engirdled, dark and sweet”, highlights Hunsvi’s vain nature as he “conducts” the room. The language of him as Sheers’ employer at the time demonstrates his manipulative, coercive nature. His attempt to speak to the narrator is also deemed unyielding, as he “(Re)used burnt, abused workers, homes” and “cauterised wounds”. The simile and the motif highlight the destructive nature of Dr. Hunsvi, as someone who cannot repair or repent for their actions. The image of the “wound” suggests an attempt to reverse the damage was taken, but was unsuccessful. Dr. Hunsvi is presented as a bullying manipulator who utilises his political power (established in the footnote) to overpower people. This overpowering nature is further presented as he “(swings) his leg (lays) his hand on her thigh”. His motivation upon her highlights his crude and inappropriate nature as he utilises his masculinity against a female character in the poem. Hunsvi is presented as a man who bullies and conquers those more vulnerable than him for control.

Both men in each poem are figures of masculinity; however, it is clear that they utilise their strength in different ways. Sheers’ grandfather is a guiding force in his poetry, promoting positivity and responsibility instead of selfishness and manipulation, which Hunsvi demonstrates. Hunsvi is a bully who overpowers vulnerable people, making him a failure to healthy masculinity.