How does Graham Greene explore gender representation in Brighton Rock?

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How does Greene explore gender representation in Brighton Rock?

In Brighton Rock, Graham Greene demonstrates aspects of the archetypal masculine and feminine characters. Prominent matriarchal themes which he explores include leadership, criminality and mob mentality, typifying the image of the contextual audience; what was perceived of 'the 1938 man'. However, Green also depicts contrasting images of gender representation. We gain knowledge of this through the portrayal of the novels anti-hero Pinkie, his name alone contradicts any masculine traits and his physical appearance also contrasts his criminal lifestyle which entails violence. Similarly, Ida is a vehicle of feminine strength; shown through her endurance and determination in the hostility of a murder. Yet more stereotypical characteristics are presented in Ida's polar opposite: Rose displays more familiar actions associated with a pre-war female, the expectancy to provide and to serve a husband. Themes of masculinity and femininity are equally challenged throughout the novel; Green challenges many typical images of men and women, specifically those of a pre-war society.

There is consistent evidence throughout Brighton Rock to suggest that Greene presents the males in the forefront of the plot to conform to the archetypal images of men. Under this umbrella of masculinity,